World champs Yulo, Petecio, Olympic silver medalist Diaz may carry flag with 2 others

Boxer Nesthy Petecio, gymnast and pole vaulter EJ Obiena during a press conference Tuesday night. Photo by June Navarro

World champions Carlos Yulo of gymnastics and Nesthy Petecio of boxing, Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz of weightlifting, Asian champions Margielyn Didal of skateboarding and EJ Obiena of pole vault may be tapped to carry the Philippine flag together in the coming 30th Southeast Asian Games.

“I received positive feedbacks when I made the suggestion,” said Philippine Sports Commission Chair William “Butch” Ramirez, the chef de mission (CDM) of Team Philippines.

As CDM, Ramirez is tasked to select the flag-bearer from the pool of national athletes, but he said he will allow the Philippine Olympic Committee to make the decision.

“We’re looking at five or six athletes to carry the flag together during the opening ceremonies. I’m not the only one who will make the decision because the office of the CDM is being run by six people,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez has five deputy CDMs—Stephen Fernandez of taekwondo and PSC commissioners Ramon Fernandez, Charles Maxey, Arnold Agustin and Celia Kiram.

The SEA Games opens on Nov. 30 at Philippine Arena.