Jayvee Agojo broke par for the first time, firing a 69 to likewise head into the final round, holding a one-stroke edge over Thai Saensradi Sukintorn in the women’s event.
The superb performance from the country’s top-ranked players set up the Philippines for an unprecedented four-gold sweep in the event on Sunday.
The country’s best showing so far in golf came during the 1991 Manila and 1993 Singapore Games with three gold medals.
The Filipinos, drawing a 70 from Jay Bayron and a 71 from rookie Michael Bibat, combined for a five-under 205 to finish three rounds at one-under 629, nine strokes ahead of Singapore.
In women’s play, Frances Bondad matched Agojo’s 69 as the Philippines stayed within three shots of Thailand in the battle for the team gold.
The Filipinas have a two-day aggregate of 284.
Marvin Dumandan and Aya Tanpinco did not count with 81 and 70, respectively.
Playing his last amateur tournament, Pagunsan showed why he’s a cut above the rest.
Gunning for his second straight individual title, Pagunsan opened his round with a birdie on the 11th, his first hole.
After dumping his teeshot into the bunker for bogey on the 12th, the reigning national champion strung up three straight birdies from the 13th before missing the green on the 18th for bogey.
On the outward nine, Pagunsan was flawless with four birdies in the first six holes and ended his round with three straight pars.
"Gumanda ang irons at putting ko," said Pagunsan.
Choo Tze Huang of Singapore, who had a piece of the lead at the start of the round, was nowhere near Pagunsan, settling for a 72.
His teammates, Leong Kit Wai and Goh Kun Yang, turned in a 70 and 72, respectively as Singapore ended the day at 214 for 638.
Myanmar came through with 211 to move within just two strokes off Singapore.
National coach Bong Lopez said that while the Philippines appears to have a lock of the gold medals in the men’s division, he’s not about to bring out the champagne.
"Let’s put it this way. Juvic gets an off-day, he would still win. But if the team gets an off-day, anything can still happen," said Lopez.
Agojo, who took a two-week off from studies at Pepperdine University, finally solved the riddle of The Country Club as she and Bondad set up a possible sweep in the women’s event.
Sukintorn, who trails Agojo in the gold medal race, fired a 67 to lead Thailand’s bid to stop the RP juggernaut.
