Baste and Torre Tirades
Baste: "I had been waiting to beat up a monkey.” Torre: “Are you calling me a monkey because of my dark skin? Many Filipinos also have a dark complexion. Are they monkey too?"
The recent exchange between Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte and a critic known as “Torre” has sparked debate after Baste reportedly said, “I had been waiting to beat up a monkey.” Torre responded by accusing Baste of racism, implying the insult referred to his dark skin, and questioned whether other dark-skinned Filipinos would be labeled the same way.
However, many who understand the context argue that the remark had nothing to do with race or skin color. It was a heated personal insult, likely triggered by Torre’s role on the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the ICC, which Duterte supporters claim was done without proper legal process.
Baste’s remark was more of a clapback response, though harsh, to someone he saw as a political enemy like Torre, as one of those individuals aiming to discredit or remove his family from the political landscape. Supporters argue that the insult was directed more at Torre’s perceived behavior or personal appearance, rather than being a comment on his skin color or racial identity.
That said, Torre’s reaction also brings up valid concerns about how easily words like “monkey” can be interpreted as racial slurs, especially in a country where colorism remains a sensitive issue. The incident shows how easily statements can be misunderstood or weaponized in polarized times.
At the end of the day, the situation highlights the need for responsibility on both sides, those who speak, and those who react. It’s important to look at the full context before jumping to conclusions, while still holding public discourse to a higher standard.
by: Ulysses Ybiernas | July 29, 2025