Acting Davao Mayor No-show Sparks Police Chief’s Boxing Challenge
MANILA, Philippines — The acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte’s absence at a scheduled charity boxing match raised eyebrows, prompting Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to call the mayor’s travel authority to Singapore an “afterthought.” The four-word keyphrase “acting Davao City Mayor” highlights the central figure in this unfolding event.
The boxing match, aimed at raising funds for victims of recent heavy rains and flooding, was held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila last Sunday. Duterte’s no-show triggered a response from Torre, who addressed the issue during a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday.
“I’m not aware of that travel document,” Torre said, referring to Duterte’s posted travel authority. “But saying that… that wasn’t the condition he gave when we first invited him to participate in a charity boxing match.”
He added, “The first thing he said was to have all government officials take a drug test. Obviously, the travel documents are an afterthought, are they not?”
Challenge and Absence
The challenge began on July 20, when Torre responded to Duterte’s podcast claim that the Davao mayor could beat him in a fight. This banter led to the proposal of a charity boxing match to help flood victims. However, Duterte flew to Singapore last Friday, confirmed by local officials, without attending the event.
Supporters and observers noted the sudden shift in Duterte’s plans and questioned the timing of his travel documents. The mayor posted on social media that the travel authority was filed July 20 and approved by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, but Torre’s statements cast doubt on this timeline.
Public Reaction and Future Implications
The incident has stirred conversations about accountability among public officials. Torre’s remarks suggest expectations were not met, especially concerning Duterte’s initial conditions for participation. The charity event proceeded despite Duterte’s absence, with funds raised for those affected by natural disasters.
As the situation develops, the public awaits further explanations from the acting Davao City Mayor’s office. Meanwhile, the PNP chief’s call for transparency and commitment remains a significant point of discussion.
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