'Boxing champ' Torre gets special mention at SONA

He may not have won an international athletic competition, but Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III got a special mention along with renowned sports icons during President Marcos' fourth State of the Nation Address yesterday.

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Marcos was citing sports programs that he said would allow the youth to follow the footsteps of world-class athletes when the name of Torre — who recently won by default a boxing match against acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte — cropped up.

"Because of these (programs), our youth are exposed early to sports, improve and gain stronger confidence. They are following the footsteps of our champions and world class athletes like Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, Caloy Yulo, Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, EJ Obiena, Alex Eala; our paralympians Jerrold Mangliwan, Cendy Asusano, Angel Mae Otom and Ernie Gawilan," the President said.

"Let us include our new champion kampeon, PNP chief Nic Torre. Our chief PNP is surprised," he added.

Marcos chuckled as he delivered the ad lib, which drew cheers and applause from the audience.

Last week, Sebastian, whose father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested and brought to The Hague in March for alleged crimes against humanity, challenged Torre to a fistfight.