The Real Knockout: A Political Spectacle Masquerading as a Boxing Match

 By Atty. Arnedo S. Valera




In what may go down as one of the most theatrically choreographed public performances in recent Philippine political history, PNP Chief General Benjamin Torre triumphantly raised his gloved fists in the ring—not in the courtroom of justice or halls of public accountability, but under the blinding lights of the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. It was dubbed a bout against Mayor Baste Duterte. But in reality, it was more of a one-man show than a match—an illusion of conflict wrapped in the aesthetics of a charity event.

Let's call it what it is: a fiction fight—directed, promoted, and headlined by General Torre himself. The so-called bout, replete with ring announcers and choreographed celebration, was allegedly in the spirit of fundraising for typhoon victims. But the layers beneath the ropes tell a different story.

It was a masterclass in political deflection. At a time when critical eyes were turning toward the real-life bullying of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. by former U.S. President Donald Trump—who unceremoniously coerced the Philippines into accepting an 18% tariff on exports, down from the threatened 20%—Torre’s boxing drama conveniently seized the headlines. Let’s be honest: a 1% concession does not make a statesman, much less a tough negotiator. Any intern at a trade office—or even an Instagram influencer with a basic charm offensive—could've achieved the same, without burning taxpayers' funds on a grandiose U.S. entourage seeking political validation.

Yet Torre, in red trunks and dramatic flair, turned the attention away from this humiliating diplomatic concession. Like a magician's sleight of hand, he dangled a spectacle—fueled by machismo, manufactured rivalry, and a faux bravado designed to mask the growing perception that the Marcos administration is governing on optics, not outcomes.

Let us not forget: this same General Torre is under a shadow of serious allegations, including criminal complaints filed before the Ombudsman by none other than Senator Imee Marcos herself. Rather than confront these issues with sobriety and accountability, he chose a different battleground—one where he controls the narrative, the lighting, and the referee.

Of course, the match had to be emotionally timed. Just days after Manny Pacquiao’s sensational return to the ring ended in a majority draw against current World Welterweight Champion  Barrios , Torre saw his opening—riding the crest of national nostalgia. But while Pacquiao fought with honor and history behind him, Torre’s “victory” was by default, unopposed and frankly, unearned. His opponent, Mayor Baste Duterte, never even showed up. Why would he? He doesn’t engage in clowns and circuses—he governs a city with real problems.

So let’s ask the real question: who exactly was the bully here?

Was it Mayor Baste, who declined to dignify this show with his presence? Or was it the man who staged a shadow-boxing match to the thunderous applause of PR handlers, while ignoring the real fight against crime, corruption, and abuse of power?

The Filipino people deserve better than this overacted Oscar-worthy performance. We deserve real leadership, not a Chief PNP moonlighting as a ringside showman. We deserve concrete policies, not comic relief. And we deserve public servants who face their accusers and the law—not imaginary opponents in an air-conditioned arena.

In the end, General Torre may have won the ring. But he lost the plot. And no amount of raised gloves or hollow victory poses can knock out the truth.

Now showing: The Great Escape from Accountability—Starring General Torre as Himself.
Spoiler: The real fight is still outside the ring. And the people are watching. #


This article is a satirical political commentary. Any resemblance to fictional heroes is purely coincidental. All references to boxing are symbolic and should not distract from the urgent need for good governance, transparency, and genuine public service.

Atty. Arnedo S. Valera is the executive director of the Global Migrant Heritage Foundation and managing attorney at Valera & Associates, a US immigration and anti-discrimination law firm for over 32 years. He holds a master’s degree in International Affairs and International Law and Human Rights from Columbia University and was trained at the International Institute of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws from Ateneo de Manila University.  He is an AB-Philosophy Major at the University  of Santo Tomas ( UST). He is a professor at San Beda Graduate School of Law (LLM Program), teaching International Security and Alliances. 

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