Screengrab from CM Baste Duterte

In a fiery response to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Nicolas Torre III, Acting Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte said he’s willing to face the top cop in a boxing match—but not without setting his own conditions.

Duterte, who first floated the idea of a fistfight with Torre in a podcast episode last Sunday, was blunt in his latest remarks: “Kung gusto mo talaga ng suntukan, bakit kailangan mo pa ng charity? Bakit kailangan mo pang gamitin ang nangyayaring baha sa Metro Manila?”

Torre had earlier accepted Duterte’s challenge, suggesting the fight be turned into a charity event to raise funds for monsoon flood victims. But Duterte questioned the sincerity behind the proposal, saying it looked more like a publicity stunt than a genuine offer to help.

“If you’re really serious about this… then let me lay down my own conditions,” Duterte said, adding that the event will only move forward if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. publicly supports mandatory hair follicle drug testing for all elected officials. “Kausapin mo amo mo na Presidente. Dapat manggaling sa kanya.”

Duterte also dismissed the charity angle, saying he has no problem supporting a cause—so long as it genuinely addresses the country’s problems.

The back-and-forth has drawn strong reactions online, with many Filipinos weighing in on whether the proposed bout is a much-needed act of accountability or just another political spectacle.

While no official word has come from the Palace regarding Duterte’s proposed condition, the public now waits to see if this war of words will actually land inside the ring—or stay in the realm of political theater.