Rep. Paolo Duterte sets conditions for Torre-Baste bout
Acting Davao City Mayor flies to Singapore 2 days before celebrity match
By Ivy Tejano
Published Jul 25, 2025 05:54 pm
REP. Paolo Duterte (Ivy Tejano)
DAVAO CITY – Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte fired back at critics, telling Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to sign a legal waiver before proceeding with a proposed charity boxing match against his younger brother, acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte this weekend.
Rep. Duterte questioned Torre’s integrity and emphasized the need for a waiver that would protect both parties from legal consequences should the bout lead to injury or worse. He said if Torre is serious, he should sign a waiver first.
“If something happens—like he gets seriously hurt or dies—they will use it as an excuse so my brother Baste could go to jail. Let lawyers handle it beforehand. That’s the better approach since they both claim to be brave anyway,” Rep. Duterte said in a local dialect.
The lawmaker emphasized that public and high-ranking officials must act with accountability—even inside the boxing ring. He added that accountability applies even outside the formal confines of office, especially those in top positions.
Downplaying the ongoing heated exchanges, Rep. Duterte accused Torre of corruption and urged him to show sincerity in helping Filipinos affected by recent flooding instead of using them as an excuse for a charity boxing match against Mayor Duterte.
“You want to help the flood victims? You already received a lot of money. We know how much you got when you turned against our father (former President Rodrigo Duterte). Why don’t you just donate directly to the flood victims?” he added.
Backing Mayor Duterte’s condition for the charity boxing match, Rep. Duterte also called for mandatory drug testing for all government officials, including those involved in the proposed match, specifically through hair follicle tests, which can detect drug use over an extended period.
“If they are spotless, then what’s the fear? Are they hiding something? If they agree, I will take another hair follicle test, even if I go bald,” he challenged, adding that this should be the norm if the government wants to set a good example.
Rep. Duterte maintained that those in public service must appear beyond reproach and prove their integrity through transparency. “You can’t be in a boxing match while keeping secrets. Accountability starts with honesty,” he added.
The lawmaker cast doubt on the sincerity behind the boxing proposal, calling it more of a publicity stunt than public service. He said government officials do not need fists to fix problems, as this is not showbiz. “We need solutions, not distractions.”
Rep. Duterte, reiterating his support for his brother under specific terms, reminded both parties that the country is facing far more urgent concerns, including persistent flooding, economic strain, and shortcomings in disaster preparedness.
Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation confirmed that Mayor Duterte departed for Singapore on Friday, July 25, two days before his highly anticipated charity boxing match.
The surprise trip raised questions, as the boxing match—initially set for Sunday, July 27—had gained significant media attention and public interest. The event was reportedly being organized to raise funds for Metro Manila and Luzon flood victims.
According to a Davao City government staff member, Mayor Duterte left for official business. Mayor Duterte’s colleagues in the city government accompanied the mayor during a scheduled engagement in Singapore.
The Office of the Mayor has not released an official statement if trip will affect the boxing match or if it will be rescheduled.