Charity boxing match gains momentum in Philippines
Senator Panfilo Lacson has thrown his support behind the proposed charity boxing match between Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Nicolas Torre III and Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte. The senator urged both men to proceed with the fight, emphasizing the event’s potential to aid flood victims.
In a recent post on X, Lacson revealed that a renowned CEO of a popular casino hotel has offered to host the match in their ballroom. “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 said, highlighting the urgency to support those affected by recent disasters.
Background of the charity boxing match challenge
The boxing match challenge originated when Mayor Duterte called out General Torre to a fistfight. Torre accepted the challenge, which stemmed from his role in enforcing an arrest warrant against Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, last March.
Davao City’s mayor remarked, “You’re only brave if you have the position. If we had a fistfight, I can take you on,” questioning Torre’s courage outside his official capacity.
Responding to these comments, General Torre proposed transforming the fight into a charity event. He suggested hosting it at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday to raise funds for Filipinos affected by the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat. “It’s just right. Many of our citizens now are in need of help and affected by the storms and the floods. So, maybe this is a very good time for a charity boxing match,” Torre stated.
Public reactions and support for the charity boxing match
Senator Lacson expressed mixed feelings about the appropriateness of the fight but ultimately respected Torre’s personal choice. “Personally, rightly or wrongly, I think we should respect his decision,” he said, emphasizing that Torre’s acceptance is as an individual, not as the police chief.
Lacson also pledged his support by vowing to purchase tickets worth his one-month pension as a retired four-star police general, provided the proceeds go directly to flood victims. “Not sure, but if the proceeds will definitely go to the recent flood victims, I will buy tickets equivalent to my one month pension as a retired four-star police general,” he declared.
The charity boxing match has since become a symbol of unity and hope for many Filipinos struggling to recover from natural calamities. Local leaders and community members are watching closely as plans develop.
For more news and updates on charity boxing match, visit Filipinokami.com.
