Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III was declared winner by default in the highly anticipated charity boxing match after acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte failed to appear. Despite the no-show, the event held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum proved a success, raising nearly ₱16.3 million in cash and in-kind donations for communities affected by recent disasters.
Torre Shows Up, Duterte Backs Out
The boxing match, initially organized in response to an online challenge made by Duterte, turned into a large-scale fundraising campaign aimed at supporting victims of the southwest monsoon and other weather disturbances.
“There were already statements that he wouldn’t show up, so we pushed through with the event because many people already paid,” said Torre. “We have to show up and give the people what they expect.”
Millions in Donations Collected
While the fight didn’t take place, the event was far from a failure. Ticket sales alone reached ₱350,000, and more than ₱300,000 was pledged during the event itself. Torre reported a total of ₱16.3 million in cash, alongside truckloads of rice and canned goods, with one company donating an entire wing van of canned food.
The donations will be distributed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Red Cross, including its Quezon City chapter.
Torre Declines Rescheduling
Following his absence, Mayor Duterte issued a statement proposing a new fight date. However, Torre declined the offer, emphasizing the urgency of relief efforts and his official duties.
“I have a lot of work to do,” Torre said. “We couldn’t wait for his schedule. We follow the people’s schedule.” He also criticized Duterte’s recent statements, calling them “nonsense” and lacking logic.
Lacson: Event Was an Overkill
Senator Panfilo Lacson weighed in, saying Torre had already proven his point by training and accepting the challenge. However, he believed the event became “unnecessary” and an “overkill” once it became clear Duterte would not attend.
“I hope those in the venue are not policemen because the crime rate might increase,” Lacson quipped, referencing past Pacquiao fights when the streets emptied.
He also dismissed Duterte’s call for hair follicle drug tests for all elected officials as unrealistic, citing the scale and individuals’ right to decline.
Drug Test Challenge Reversed
House allies of President Marcos challenged Duterte to clean up his own city first, pointing to reports that 37 Davao City Hall employees, particularly from the Public Safety and Security Office, had tested positive during random drug tests.
Even without a physical bout, the event turned into a resounding success in fundraising, showing how public attention can be repurposed into humanitarian action. While critics question the appropriateness of the match and its political optics, Torre emphasized the goal was always clear: deliver aid where it’s needed—regardless of who shows up in the ring.