President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave a surprise shoutout to Philippine National Police Chief General Nicolas Torre III during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, calling him the “new champion.”
While discussing the government’s sports programs and Filipino athletes, Marcos inserted what appeared to be an unscripted remark, saying, “Let us include our new champion, kampeon, PNP Chief Nic Torre.”
The moment was captured on live television, with Torre visibly standing, smiling, and laughing, as members of the audience applauded.
In a media interview after the event, Torre admitted he did not expect the recognition. “Masaya siyempre, pinuri ka ng Pangulo — but that was really unexpected,” he said.
Torre recently made headlines after being declared the winner in a charity boxing event against Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte. The match did not push through after Duterte failed to show up, leading organizers to announce Torre as the victor.
The mention during the SONA sparked reactions, as it tied into the ongoing public attention on the boxing challenge and the broader political dynamics involving the Dutertes and the Marcos administration.
