President tells new Navy chief: Lead with integrity
(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the new Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command, Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, to lead the naval force with integrity and overcome challenges that it might face while protecting the country's maritime interests. In his speech during the change of command and retirement ceremony in honor of Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. at the Philippine Navy headquarters in Manila, Marcos expressed confidence that Ezpeleta would continue the high standards set by his predecessor. "I expect the same, if not greater, from your leadership. As Vice Admiral Adaci has demonstrated, your predecessors are always difficult acts to follow, but given your competence, your experience, and mental fortitude, I am confident you will continue to lead the Navy with integrity and surpass any challenges that you might confront," the president told Ezpeleta. Before becoming the new Navy chief, Ezpeleta was the Navy's 57th vice commander from August to November this year, its chief of staff from August 2022 to August 2024, and commander of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon from September 2019 to August 2022. Ezpeleta is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1991. Marcos heaped praise on Adaci, saying he "was exactly what this country needed: mild-mannered and calm. His presence of mind was unshakeable despite provocations and attempts to escalate tensions." He also commended Adaci for spearheading the Navy's modernization program. "These enhancements have bolstered our defense posture and improved our ability for humanitarian assistance and disaster response — now a critical role in our archipelagic nation," Marcos said. "He has also championed regional cooperation and partnership by fostering ties with our allies and neighbors and by promoting collaborative efforts towards peace and stability in our maritime zones," the president added. Adaci, who belongs to PMA Class of 1989, held various positions in the Armed Forces of the Philippines during nearly 40 years of service in the military. The president conferred on the outgoing Navy chief the Philippine Legion of Honor, Degree of Commander. In his assumption of command speech, Ezpeleta said the Navy will recalibrate its approach and operations. "We are facing challenges unlike any that we have seen in the past. Adjusting to these emerging realities has put the Philippine Navy at the forefront, necessitating the recalibration of our approach and operational tempo, embodying our transition from an inward-looking defense posture to an outward-facing one," he said. Ezpeleta said the Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act will help define the scope of the Navy's areas of responsibility. The two new laws will enable the Navy to protect sovereignty, promote sustainable development, and secure future prosperity, particularly in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), he said.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the new Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command, Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, to lead the naval force with integrity and overcome challenges that it might face while protecting the country's maritime interests.
In his speech during the change of command and retirement ceremony in honor of Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. at the Philippine Navy headquarters in Manila, Marcos expressed confidence that Ezpeleta would continue the high standards set by his predecessor.
"I expect the same, if not greater, from your leadership. As Vice Admiral Adaci has demonstrated, your predecessors are always difficult acts to follow, but given your competence, your experience, and mental fortitude, I am confident you will continue to lead the Navy with integrity and surpass any challenges that you might confront," the president told Ezpeleta.
Before becoming the new Navy chief, Ezpeleta was the Navy's 57th vice commander from August to November this year, its chief of staff from August 2022 to August 2024, and commander of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon from September 2019 to August 2022.
Ezpeleta is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1991.
Marcos heaped praise on Adaci, saying he "was exactly what this country needed: mild-mannered and calm. His presence of mind was unshakeable despite provocations and attempts to escalate tensions."
He also commended Adaci for spearheading the Navy's modernization program. "These enhancements have bolstered our defense posture and improved our ability for humanitarian assistance and disaster response — now a critical role in our archipelagic nation," Marcos said.
"He has also championed regional cooperation and partnership by fostering ties with our allies and neighbors and by promoting collaborative efforts towards peace and stability in our maritime zones," the president added.
Adaci, who belongs to PMA Class of 1989, held various positions in the Armed Forces of the Philippines during nearly 40 years of service in the military.
The president conferred on the outgoing Navy chief the Philippine Legion of Honor, Degree of Commander.
In his assumption of command speech, Ezpeleta said the Navy will recalibrate its approach and operations.
"We are facing challenges unlike any that we have seen in the past. Adjusting to these emerging realities has put the Philippine Navy at the forefront, necessitating the recalibration of our approach and operational tempo, embodying our transition from an inward-looking defense posture to an outward-facing one," he said.
Ezpeleta said the Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act will help define the scope of the Navy's areas of responsibility.
The two new laws will enable the Navy to protect sovereignty, promote sustainable development, and secure future prosperity, particularly in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), he said.
