Baste Duterte ‘should conduct himself better,’ says DILG chief

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III on Thursday, July 24, 2025 begins training in Camp Crame, Quezon City for his proposed boxing match against acting Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte. (Photo by JASON SIGALES / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla believes acting Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte “should conduct himself better.”

In an episode of his podcast last Sunday, Duterte had challenged Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to a fistfight.

“His freedom of speech, all of it, that’s allowed. But I think he should conduct himself in a better manner,” Remulla said in an interview with DZMM on Thursday morning.

The Davao mayor was airing his grievances against the PNP chief, particularly the arrest and turnover of his father and former President Rodrigo Duterte last March.

The younger Duterte claimed Torre was “only strong because he had a position (PNP chief)” and that he could “take him on” if they locked horns.

“That’s the culture we want to replace. Justice or settlements of disputes shouldn’t be done fist-to-fist. The president is promoting that the rule of law must prevail at all times. If you have a grievance, take it to court or file a complaint,” Remulla said.

“But, for you to challenge someone to a fistfight? You’re the mayor of the largest city in Mindanao. You are the son of a former president. Many people look up to you and you challenge someone to a fistfight. What will the children say?” he asked.

READ: It’s on! Torre says Rizal Memorial Coliseum set for match vs Duterte

On Wednesday, Torre accepted Duterte’s challenge, proposing to turn the event into a charity boxing match for people affected by the onslaught of the southwest monsoon (habagat).

“I’m backing up our Chief PNP,” the DILG chief said. “He’s a bulldog, a pitbull. He doesn’t back down.”

Torre began preparing for the proposed match on Thursday, saying Rizal Memorial Coliseum was already being set up for the event on Sunday. /apl