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Palace lauds Petecio, Obiena, Paalam for advancing to next round in Tokyo Olympics
By HANA BORDEY, GMA NewsMalacañang lauded Filipino Olympians who secured victories in their respective sports on Saturday, namely Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and boxer Carlo Paalam.
“We are one with the Filipino people in rejoicing the performance of our athletes in today's schedule of games of the Tokyo Olympics,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said in a statement.
“We congratulate Nesthy Petecio in winning the women’s boxing featherweight semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics and securing a second Olympic medal for the Philippines; EJ Obiena for leaping into the finals of the Men's Pole Vault; and Carlo Paalam for clinching a quarter-finals ticket in the men's boxing flyweight class,” he added.
Apart from these three, other Filipino Olympians still in the running for an Olympic medal are Carlos Yulo (Gymnastics), Eumir Marcial (Boxing), Juvic Pagunsan (Golf), Kristina Knott (Athletics), Bianca Pagdanganan (Golf), and Yuka Saso (Golf).
Malacañang said it is one with the whole nation in praying for Filipino athletes still competing in the summer Olympics.
“The whole nation is praying for our athletes as their quest for an Olympic gold medal continues. Go for gold!” Roque said.
Obiena will be competing in the finals
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Filipina boxer Petecio is also set to compete in the gold medal match of the women's featherweight division on Tuesday, August 3, at 12:05 p.m., after winning the semifinals against Irma Testa of Italy via split decision, 4-1.
Filipino Boxer Paalam also advanced to the quarterfinal round of the men's flyweight division after winning the match against Algerian Mohamed Flissi, a three-time Olympian.
Last Monday, Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz gave the Philippines its first-ever Olympic gold medal.
She arrived in the Philippines last Wednesday. -MDM, GMA News