Detained Ramil Madriaga said he is willing to accept an alleged challenge to a fistfight reportedly made by Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, following the circulation of quote cards online claiming the mayor issued such a challenge.
Madriaga issued the response through a handwritten letter after online posts circulated statements alleging that Duterte challenged him to a physical fight.
The issue stemmed from Madriaga’s supplemental affidavit, in which he claimed that former President Rodrigo Duterte allegedly referred to his son, Mayor Duterte, as “bading.” Madriaga said he believed the statement attributed to the former president.
In his handwritten message, Madriaga said it would be an honor to be challenged to a fight by a former presidential son.
However, he also noted that he is already 58 years old and suggested that Mayor Duterte should instead challenge someone of his own age or size.
Despite this, Madriaga said he is willing to accept the alleged challenge as a sign of respect.
He added that if Mayor Duterte could visit him at the detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, he would be ready to exchange punches, kicks, elbows, and other strikes, including backhand blows, roundhouse kicks, uppercuts, or even headbutts.
Madriaga also clarified that he was not the one who called Mayor Duterte “bading,” saying the remark was allegedly made by the mayor’s father.
Previously, Mayor Duterte had issued a boxing challenge against former Philippine National Police chief Nicolas Torre III.
A boxing ring had reportedly been prepared for that match, but the bout did not take place after Duterte did not appear.
