President Arroyo has named Rear Admiral Ferdinand Golez, younger brother of Deputy Minority Leader Roilo Golez, as the new Flag Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy.
The Department of National Defense said Golez will formally assume his post on August 2 to replace Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag who is set to retire.
Golez is the commander of the Naval Education and Training Command in San Antonio, Zambales. He is expected to serve as Navy chief until May 16, 2010 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Golez is a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 1976. Armed Forces Chief of Staff Alexander Yano and Army Chief Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado were also from PMA Class 1976 while Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro is an adopted member of the 1976 class.
Two other candidates for the position - Rear Admiral Emilio Marayag and Rear Admiral Geronimo Defensor – also belong to the same PMA class.
The President also approved the ad-interim appointment of seven brigadier generals to the next higher rank upon the recommendation of the Department of National Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines board of generals.
Appointed were Brig. Gen. Ricardo David, Brig. Gen Jerry Jalandoni, Brig. Gen. Roland Detabali, Brig. Gen. Nestor Ochoa, Brig. Gen. Johnny Corcha, Brig. Gen. Carlos Holganza and Brig. Gen. Romeo Lustestica. Jay Ruiz, ABS-CBN News