- Rep. Duterte sets more conditions for proposed Torre-Baste boxing match
FIRST District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte added to the growing list of conditions before the proposed boxing match between Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte and PNP Director General Nicolas Torre III can push through.
For instance, Torre and his younger brother must sign a waiver to absolve both parties of any legal liability in case of injury or worse.
“If he is serious, he should sign a waiver first. Because if he gets hurt or dies, my brother will go to prison. They should sign it with a lawyer. That would be better. They are all supposedly fearless,” he said.
Duterte underscored the importance of accountability for public officials, particularly those in high office, asserting that this principle must extend even to activities within a boxing ring.
Rep. Duterte also backed his brother’s condition that all elected officials must first undergo a hair follicle drug test before any boxing match takes place.
“If they are truly clean, then they have nothing to worry about. Why are you scared? Are you hiding something? Because if they agree to the hair follicle test, I will also undergo one even if I go bald. This should be standard if we want to set a good example for the public,” he said.
He further emphasized that public officials, especially those in uniform or holding elective positions, must prove they are not under the influence of drugs.
“Accountability starts with transparency. You can’t be throwing punches while hiding something.”
With that said, Duterte largely dismissed the boxing challenge as mere “pampapogi” (for show) and theatrics.
He suggested that if Torre genuinely wished to assist flood victims in Metro Manila and Luzon, he should simply donate his own money.“If he really wanted to help, simply donate. Nobody has to fight anyone,” he asserted.
“This isn’t showbiz. We need public servants focused on real solutions, not side shows,” he said, adding that the country is already grappling with more pressing issues, including widespread flooding, economic pressure, and critical disaster response gaps.
