Due to COVID-19 regulations, flagbearers have to be in place 48 hours before the ceremony.

However, Obiena is set to arrive at 12:30 pm on Friday local time and has been unable to book an earlier flight.

Philippines Olympic Committee President Abraham Bambo Tolentino said: "We are very thankful to EJ for his understanding. 

"He cannot rebook his flight anymore.

"Because of protocols, EJ should be expecting delays at the airport and that would make it impossible for him to catch the opening ceremony."

Tolentino explained that middleweight Marcial, a silver medallist at the 2019 World Championships, has "the most flexible schedule before and after the opening ceremony."

He added: "We have already informed Eumir about his task."

Marcial is one of four boxers in a team of 19.

He flew in from training in Colorado Springs and is not in action until Monday (July 26).

2018 Asian Games judo silver medallist  Kiyomi Watanabe is the other nominated flagbearer.

She has lived in Japan since the age of eight and trains at Waseda University and should face no difficulties in travelling. 

Her first contest is not until Tuesday (July 27).

The team also includes skateboarder Margielyn Arda Didal, who is competing in one of the new events at the Games.