FIRST District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte has voiced support for the proposed boxing match between Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III and Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, but not without conditions.
Speaking to members of the local media at the sidelines of the 2025 State of the Barangay Address in Barangay 14-B on Friday, July 25, the politician stated that both parties must first sign a legal waiver to avoid any liability in case of injury or worse.
Duterte also emphasized the importance of accountability among public officials, even in non-traditional venues like a boxing ring. He added that he fully supports his brother’s call for drug testing among all government officials before any match takes place.
“Kung seryoso siya, mag-sign muna ng waiver. Kay kung mapuruhan sya, mamatay, mapriso, akong igsoon. Mag-pirmahanay sa sila sa abugado. Mas maayo na. Puro man kaha sila isog (If he's serious, he should sign a waiver first. Because if he gets fatally hurt or dies, my sibling could end up in jail. They should both sign something in front of a lawyer. That would be better. Since they both claim to be brave anyway),” he reiterated.
“If they are truly clean, then they have nothing to worry about. Nganong hadlok man mo? Naa moy gitago? Kay kung musugot sila sa hair follicle test, magpausab na pud ko’g test bahalag manga-opaw ta ani (Why are you afraid? Are you hiding something? Because if they agree to a hair follicle test, I’ll take the test again too — even if we all end up bald because of it). This should be standard if we want to set a good example for the public,” Duterte added.
He also pointed out that public officials must not only appear clean but prove it.
“Accountability starts with transparency. You can’t throw punches while hiding something,” he said.
Despite backing his brother’s position, Duterte dismissed the challenge as unnecessary, especially when the country is facing pressing issues.
“Kung gusto talaga niyang tumulong, mag-donate na lang siya. Hindi na kailangang idaan pa sa suntukan (If he really wants to help, he should just donate. There's no need to resort to a fistfight),” he said. “This isn’t showbiz. We need public servants focused on real solutions, not side shows.”
On July 24, Torre gave the public a glimpse of his preparations as he trained at the PNP gym in Camp Crame, wearing sports attire and throwing punches with a trainer before reporters.
“The Rizal Memorial Coliseum is already set. A ring is already being set up there for Sunday,” Torre said, confirming the venue and date of the planned 12-round charity match.
Torre, who had accepted the challenge from Baste on Wednesday, said the bout would be for the benefit of flood victims. He also suggested that boxing legend Manny Pacquiao be tapped as referee.
After attending a situation briefing on flooding and other weather impacts presided over by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Torre proceeded to his training session, stating he was ready anytime.
However, later on the same day, Mayor Baste Duterte responded through a video posted online, making it clear he would only agree to the fight if strict conditions were met.
“Talk to your master, the President. Let him say that all elected officials should undergo a hair follicle drug test, then I will accept that charity event of yours. No problem,” Duterte said in the vernacular.
He added: “Do not worry, Torre, because I’ve long wanted to beat up a monkey. If you really want a fight, why make it about charity? Why make it about the flood in Metro Manila?”
The comment was a sharp retort to Torre’s earlier framing of the match as a goodwill event. While supporters of both men had earlier posted training footage online, Duterte’s video cast new doubts on whether the bout would actually happen.
In response to Baste's conditions, Torre said he would continue with preparations regardless of whether the Davao mayor shows up.
“It’s up to him. Whether he shows up or not, we already have sponsors who said they were donating relief goods,” Torre said.
He maintained that the match was meant to help, not provoke, but acknowledged the escalating political tension between the two.
The dispute dates back to Torre’s previous stint as Davao Region police chief during the Duterte administration.
With the Rizal Memorial Coliseum confirmed, sponsors secured, and both camps having aired their positions publicly, it remains uncertain whether the match will push through or be remembered as another political spectacle in Philippine public life.
However, Pulong Duterte has made his stance clear: “Mag-sign muna ng waiver. Magpa-drug test na rin. Kung talagang malinis, eh ‘di go (Sign a waiver first. Also take a drug test. If you're really clean, then go ahead).” DEF
