PROGRESSIVE groups advised Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre to stop the “theatrics” and focus on the pressing issues of the country.
Fauzhea Guiani of Anakbayan Southern Mindanao Region, said that the possible fistfight of Duterte and Torre is just a cover-up on the current situation of the Filipino people. She said that it is no longer new in our country to experience flooding not only in Luzon but even in Davao City.
“Focus po tayo na ginakasinati sa atoang Dakbayan and sa mga Dabawenyo. Tama na ang theatrics, tama na ang mga kung ano-ano na performances labi na gikan sa atoang mga public officials (Let us focus on what our city and the Dabawenyos are experiencing. Enough with the theatrics, enough with all sorts of performances, especially from our public officials),” she said during the presscon on Friday, July 25, 2025.
She said that they should put a stop to their gimmicks and should do the service that is expected of them and provide solutions to the issues that the country is facing.
Earlier, Duterte challenged Torre to a fistfight, accusing him of acting brave only because of his position. He insisted that Torre is a “coward” and that he could take him on in a real fight.
Torre responded on July 23, suggesting the brawl be turned into a charity boxing match at the Araneta Coliseum.
In response, Duterte said that he would agree to a fistfight with Torre, but only if all elected officials will undergo a hair follicle drug test.
"These are my conditions, pakiusapan mo yang amo mong presidente (Talk to your president) and let it come out from his mouth that all elected officials should undergo a hair follicle drug test," Duterte said in a teaser of his Basta Dabawenyo podcast released on July 24.
The full episode, where Duterte expands on his response, is set to air on Sunday, July 27. RGP
