Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has responded to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III’s public boxing challenge through a video message posted on his official Facebook page.
In the video, Duterte did not back down from the proposed match but insisted on setting his own conditions before stepping into the ring. One of his key demands: “Have your boss, the President, agree to require all elected officials to undergo a hair follicle drug test.”
Duterte questioned the sincerity behind Torre’s challenge, citing the PNP Chief’s inclusion of a charity angle. “If you really just want a fight, why do you need all that charity stuff? And why use the flooding in Metro Manila as an excuse?” Duterte said in Filipino.
Torre initially proposed the boxing match as a charity event, saying proceeds could benefit flood victims in Metro Manila. He even suggested the bout be held at the Araneta Coliseum this coming Sunday, possibly lasting 12 rounds.
Earlier on July 24, Torre was seen training for the match and told the media that preparations were underway to secure Rizal Memorial Coliseum as a possible venue.
The verbal sparring between Duterte and Torre has since gone viral, sparking debate among netizens over who they believe would win, should the match actually happen.
