Pacquiao cleared as RP flag bearer

MANILA, Philippines—It’s go for Manny Pacquiao marching with the world’s best athletes as Philippine flag bearer during the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics on Aug. 8.

The Philippine Olympic Committee Wednesday said it has already secured the accreditation for new World Boxing Council lightweight champion as member of the RP delegation.

As a late entry, Pacquiao will have to get his visa from the Chinese Embassy on his own, and receive his pre-valid card once he arrives in Beijing.

But POC secretariat head Moying Martelino said the boxing legend will have all the supporting papers from the POC.

“We will have somebody to assist him,” he added.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had earlier installed Pacquiao as special Olympic envoy and flag bearer of the 15-man RP delegation several days after the Filipino became the first Asian to win four world boxing titles when he dethroned Mexican-American David Diaz in Las Vegas.

Arroyo is also attending the Olympic opening ceremony with other heads of states like American President George W. Bush.

Swimmer Miguel Molina, the 2007 Southeast Asian Games most outstanding male athlete earlier named to carry the flag, willingly stepped aside in favor of Pacquiao, who was chosen to serve as inspiration in the country’s quest for a first gold medal.

( www.inquirer.net )