Marcos cites PNP chief Torre among sports ‘champions’ after charity bout

The Philippines has a new boxing champion, at least according to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr.

While citing the achievements of the country's sports heroes such as Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, and EJ Obiena, Marcos, while laughing, added the name of Philippine National Police chief General Nicolas Torre III in the said list.

"[Ang] ating mga kabataan ay maagang namumulat sa sport. Humuhusay at tumataas ang kumpiyansa. Sumusunod sila sa yapak ng ating mga kampeon at world-class na mga atleta tulad nina Senator Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, Caloy Yulo, Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, EJ Obiena, at Alex Eala; ang Paralympians natin na sina Jerrold Mangliwan, Cendy Asusano, Angel Mae Otom, at Ernie Gawilan," Marcos said in his State of the Nation Address on Monday.

(Our youth are becoming aware of sport earlier, getting better and gaining confidence. They are following in the footsteps of our champions and world-class athletes.)

"Isama na rin natin 'yung bago nating kampeon na si PNP Chief Nic Torre," added Marcos, to the laughter of many inside the House of Representatives session hall.

(And let's include our new champion PNP chief Nic Torre.)

Even Marcos took a moment time to laugh after.

"Nagulat si Chief PNP," he added, after the chief of police, also laughing, stood up to acknowledge the shout-out.

(He was surprised.)

Marcos then went on to recognize the Philippine Men's Curling Team as well for winning the Asian Winter Games gold medal.

On Sunday, Torre was declared winner by default after Davao City acting mayor Sebastian Duterte did not show up to a charity boxing event at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, after he said that he could beat up Torre. Duterte, however, denied challenging Torre to a fistfight.

According to Torre, the said event raised more than P300,000 in ticket sales alone.

In his SONA, Marcos also vowed to launch a new national sports development program for Filipinos in a bid to strengthen its grassroots program. He also said that the track ovals of the Philippine Sports Commission will be open to the public as he promoted a healthier lifestyle for Filipinos. — BM/ VAL, GMA Integrated News