President Marcos surprises and amuses SONA audience; declares PNP Chief Torre a “new champion”
• During his SONA, President Marcos Jr. lightheartedly declared PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III a "new champion," adding a surprising moment of humor amidst a serious address
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• The President's jest was a direct nod to Torre's recent charity boxing match against Acting Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte, where Torre won by default due to Duterte's absence
• Despite the no-show, the "Boxing for a Cause" event successfully raised over PHP 20 million from ticket sales and donations for victims of recent heavy rains and typhoons
• The spontaneous remark, reportedly not in the President's prepared speech, provided a memorable interlude that amused the audience and highlighted the lighter side of national politics
A moment of unexpected levity punctuated President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, Monday, July 28, 2025, when he playfully bestowed the title of "new champion" upon Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Nicolas Torre III.
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The President's jocular remark, delivered amidst a segment celebrating national athletes, drew chuckles and cheers from the audience, highlighting a unique blend of solemnity and humor in the legislative chamber.
The lighthearted interjection occurred as President Marcos was lauding the country's esteemed athletes, citing their roles as inspirations and models for Filipino youth.
After acknowledging renowned figures such as boxing legend Senator Manny Pacquiao, Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, gymnastics phenom Carlos Yulo, and other world-class competitors like Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, EJ Obiena, and Alex Eala, the President smoothly added, "Sama na rin natin yung bago nating kampeon si PNP chief Nic Torre." (Let's also include our new champion, PNP chief Nic Torre.)
The unexpected inclusion, reportedly not part of his prepared speech, immediately sparked laughter and applause from the lawmakers and dignitaries assembled at the Batasang Pambansa.
A visibly amused General Torre, seated among the audience, rose from his seat with a smile, acknowledging the President's jest, prompting Marcos to quip further, "nagulat si Chief PNP!"
The President's humorous nod was a direct reference to a recent charity boxing match involving Torre on Sunday, July 27, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The much-anticipated bout was meant to pit the PNP Chief against Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte.
However, the fight ended in a default victory for Torre after Mayor Duterte, who had flown to Singapore before the weekend, failed to appear for the match.
The genesis of the unconventional boxing event stemmed from a public challenge issued by Mayor Duterte during a podcast, where he claimed he could physically overpower Torre.
In a show of sportsmanship and public service, General Torre accepted the challenge but proposed transforming it into a "Boxing for a Cause: Laban Para sa Nasalanta" (Fight for Disaster Victims) event.
The proceeds were earmarked for Filipinos severely affected by recent heavy rains, cyclones, and the intensified southwest monsoon (habagat) that have ravaged parts of the country.
Despite Mayor Duterte's no-show, the charity event proved to be a success in its fundraising efforts.
According to PNP reports, over 2,000 people attended the match, contributing more than PHP 300,000 from ticket sales alone.
More significantly, the initiative garnered over PHP 16 million in cash donations from various companies, culminating in a total of over PHP 20 million raised to aid disaster-stricken communities.
The President's playful acknowledgement of Torre, seamlessly integrating a moment of pop culture into his formal address, resonated with the public and added a memorable, humanizing touch to the SONA.
It served as a reminder of the lighter side of politics, even as the nation gears up for the serious legislative agenda ahead under the 20th Congress.
The exchange provided a brief, yet impactful, interlude, drawing attention to both national sporting achievements and the charitable spirit of public servants.
Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is the 17th President of the Philippines, elected in May 2022 with a historic majority vote. He is the son of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who ruled the country from 1965 to 1986. Before his presidency, Marcos Jr. served in various public offices, including as governor of Ilocos Norte, congressman, and senator.
During the SONA, PBBM also announced that PhilHealth’s Zero Balance Billing Program is now implemented in all government hospitals nationwide, ensuring no additional charges for qualified patients. Under this program, patients covered by PhilHealth will receive treatment and necessary medications in public hospitals at no cost, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses. The initiative aims to provide comprehensive and free medical services, especially to poor and underprivileged Filipinos who struggle with hospital bills. This reform supports the government’s broader push for universal healthcare access, complementing other health programs like free dialysis and increased aid for kidney transplants.
The president also announced that dialysis treatments are now free for all PhilHealth members, covering three sessions per week and necessary medications for the entire year. The financial assistance limit for kidney transplant procedures has been raised from P600,000 to P2.1 million, providing greater support to patients in need of transplants. PhilHealth will also shoulder post-procedure medications for kidney transplant patients, ensuring continuous care after surgery. The Department of Health recently raised concerns over the increasing cases of chronic kidney disease in the Philippines, including among children, which led to the government's expanded health initiatives.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
