Why Baste Duterte’s Absence in the Charity Boxing Match Is More Than Just a No-Show

In what was hyped as the most anticipated charity boxing match of the year, PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III stood alone in the ring — gloves on, heart ready — as Davao City acting mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte failed to appear. What was expected to be a historic showdown turned into an unexpected yet symbolic victory by default.

But make no mistake: this wasn’t just a boxing match — it was a political statement, a fundraising success, and a turning point in the public perception of both men.

The phrase “Torre wins vs no-show Baste” has since dominated headlines, trended on social media, and sparked intense public debate. But what does it really mean?

Let’s break down what led to this showdown, why Baste Duterte’s no-show matters, and how this event unexpectedly raised over ₱16.3 million for disaster relief efforts.

It all began with a vlog. Baste Duterte, known for his bold and brash online persona, challenged Gen. Torre to a fistfight — a move that raised eyebrows across political and civilian circles. Torre, instead of brushing it off, accepted the challenge and turned it into a charity event, repurposing the confrontation into something bigger than politics: public service.

“When Duterte made that statement, I saw an opportunity to raise funds outside of government resources,” Torre explained.

While Baste Duterte didn’t show up, the event went on at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum — packed with supporters, press, and donations. Torre, true to his word, showed up ready to fight — not just with fists, but with purpose. Despite the absence of punches, the event was a massive success, raising ₱350,000 from ticket sales and an additional ₱300,000 in pledged cash during the event. Truckloads of relief goods, including rice and canned goods, were delivered and displayed on-site.

These donations are being distributed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Philippine Red Cross, and other humanitarian channels to support those affected by the southwest monsoon (habagat) and recent weather disturbances.

Not everyone was impressed. Senator Panfilo Lacson described the event as “unnecessary” and “overkill,” despite acknowledging Torre’s commitment. “He already made his point… but the event lost its meaning when the mayor did not show up,” Lacson said.

Yet for many netizens, the optics of Torre showing up while Duterte ghosted the public painted a clear picture: accountability versus excuses.

Torre didn’t mince words after the event. Citing Duterte’s rambling social media statements and failure to commit to a clear date, Torre called him out for lacking logic and credibility. “I don’t think really that there is still logic in anything he is saying anymore,” Torre remarked. “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.”

This wasn’t just about two men in a ring. It was about public expectations versus political grandstanding. Taking initiative versus backing down. Using power for service versus spectacle. Some saw it as an inspiring turn of events: a high-ranking police official converting a media stunt into millions of pesos in disaster relief. Others saw a lost chance for authentic engagement.

Baste’s last-ditch counter — challenging all officials to undergo a hair follicle drug test — backfired when reports resurfaced showing 37 Davao City Hall employees had failed random drug tests. This led to backlash even from House allies of President Marcos, who dared Duterte to start drug testing in his own city before pointing fingers elsewhere.

The spotlight on Davao’s internal issues only intensified public scrutiny and further questioned Duterte’s credibility.

Baste suggested moving the bout to a later date. Torre’s response? A hard no. “We couldn’t wait for his schedule. We follow the people’s schedule,” he stated. With relief operations now underway, Torre says his focus is on serving the people — not entertaining further drama.

The phrase “Torre wins vs no-show Baste” is now more than a headline. It’s a symbol of how leadership, action, and transparency can outshine spectacle and bluster. Torre may have won by default — but in the eyes of many, he won by showing up when it mattered most.

What do YOU think? Was this just political theater, or a real show of leadership?
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