The buzz surrounding the potential charity boxing showdown between Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III and Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte just got a powerful boost—with a popular casino hotel reportedly offering its ballroom as the fight venue.
Former senator and ex-PNP chief Panfilo Lacson revealed on Thursday that a high-profile casino resort CEO, known for his philanthropic efforts, is ready to host the match in support of Filipinos devastated by recent floods.
“A credible source told me last night that the CEO of a well-known resort casino hotel is willing to open their ballroom for the charity boxing match between Nick Torre and Baste Duterte,” Lacson posted on X (formerly Twitter). “For the sake of the many poor flood victims, let’s make it happen.”
The bizarre yet headline-grabbing match was sparked by Mayor Duterte’s fiery challenge to Torre, following the PNP’s controversial implementation of an arrest warrant against Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, earlier this year.
In a sharp jab, the younger Duterte claimed Torre’s courage stemmed only from his position of power. “You’re only brave because of your rank. In a real fight, I can take you on,” he said.
Torre didn’t back down. Instead, he proposed turning the challenge into a charity bout aimed at helping Filipinos affected by the relentless southwest monsoon (habagat), which has caused widespread flooding across the country.
“I think this is a good opportunity to turn something negative into something meaningful,” Torre said. “Many of our people are suffering right now. If this match can raise funds and awareness, let’s do it. I even suggested holding it at the Araneta Coliseum this Sunday.”
While the idea of two government figures settling a dispute with gloves in a boxing ring might raise eyebrows, Lacson emphasized that Torre’s decision should be respected—not as a police official, but as a private citizen responding to a personal affront.
“Is it appropriate? Probably not. But this is a personal matter for him. We can’t deny that,” Lacson remarked. “What’s important is that if this does push through, it should serve a greater purpose.”
Lacson even pledged to support the event financially, saying he would purchase tickets equivalent to his full month’s pension as a retired four-star general—so long as all proceeds are directed to flood victims.
Though the match remains unofficial, momentum is clearly building. A high-stakes clash between two powerful personalities may soon turn into an unlikely spectacle with a noble cause at its heart.