THE proposed charity boxing match between Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III continues to draw national attention with new developments, including a training video from Torre, alleged venue support from the private sector, and a controversy over an alleged multimillion-peso wager.
On July 23, 2025, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson posted on X (formerly Twitter) that a well-known CEO of a resort casino hotel has expressed willingness to host the event, reportedly for the benefit of recent flood victims.
“A credible source told me last night, the CEO of a popular resort casino hotel, a well-known philanthropist, is willing to open their ballroom for the 'charity boxing match' between Nick Torre and Baste Duterte. For the sake of the many poor flood victims, let’s do it!” Lacson wrote.
The highly publicized challenge began when Mayor Duterte, during a July 20 podcast, openly challenged Torre to a fistfight and questioned his courage.
“Kasi matapang ka lang naman you have the position. Pero kung suntukan tayo alam kong makaya kita. But then you're a coward (You're only brave because you have the position. But if it came down to a fistfight, I know I can take you) Duterte said.
Torre, who oversaw the arrest operation against former President Rodrigo Duterte in March while leading the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), responded on July 23, saying he would accept the challenge on the condition that the match serve as a charity event to support typhoon and flood victims.
“Tamang-tama. Maraming mga kababayan natin ngayon ang nangangailangan ng tulong na naaapektuhan ng bagyo at baha. So, maybe this is a very good time para sa isang charity boxing match. We can do it on Sunday sa Araneta,” Torre said.
(This is perfect timing. Many of our fellow Filipinos are in need of help due to the storm and flooding. So maybe this is a very good time for a charity boxing match. We can do it this Sunday at Araneta.)
“At least, makakatulong kami ni Mayor Baste sa aming mga kababayang nasalanta. Ang proceeds, sigurado maraming manonood diyan eh (At least, Mayor Baste and I can help our fellow Filipinos affected by the disaster. The proceeds — there’s no doubt a lot of people will watch) So, we can do a charity boxing match. Maybe, 12 rounds in Araneta Coliseum this coming Sunday,” he added.
Torre also proposed boxing legend Manny Pacquiao as the referee. Just a day later, on July 24, the PNP chief uploaded a video showing him training, further fueling speculation that the event may indeed materialize.
However, amid the growing buzz, businessman and former lawmaker Chavit Singson drew criticism after a viral post quoted him as allegedly betting P30 million in favor of Baste Duterte. The post also dragged the name of Vice President Sara Duterte into the narrative.
The rumor prompted a strong statement from concerned parties, clarifying the issue and warning the public against misinformation, stating, “Kasalukuyang nakikipag-ugnayan ang aming legal team sa mga Facebook pages at profiles na nagkakalat ng post na ito (Our legal team is currently coordinating with the Facebook pages and profiles spreading this post.)
“Ngayong panahon ng sakuna at maraming binabaha at binabagyo, hindi po natin kailangan ng mga ganitong isyu. Maging mapanuri po tayo sa mga nababasa, nakikita, napapanood sa social media. Maraming salamat po.”
As of writing, no official confirmation has been made regarding the final venue, format, or timing of the match. DEF