A batch of 46 newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is set to face scrutiny at the Congressional Commission on Appointments (CA).
CA Assistant Minority Leader and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said the batch is led by the new Philippine Navy chief, Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, who has been promoted in rank from rear admiral to vice admiral.
A vice admiral has three stars, or equal to a lieutenant general in the other armed services.
Lieutenant Generals Ferdinand Barandon, Jimmy Larida, and Augustine Malinit are also pending the CA’s consent, according to Pimentel.
Barandon of the Philippine Army, is chief of the AFP’s newly activated intelligence command.
Malinit, of the Philippine Air Force, is the AFP’s new inspector general. He oversees the military’s discipline, efficiency, morale, and readiness. Larida, of the Philippine Marines, is AFP deputy chief of staff.
Of the 46 generals and flag officers, Pimentel said 22 will face the CA’s committee on national defense on Wednesday, November 27, for their confirmation hearings.
Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo chairs the CA committee.
In March, the CA rejected a Philippine Army colonel’s promotion to the rank of brigadier general after his estranged wife put up a challenge on the grounds of alleged physical abuse, adultery, and neglect in providing financial support to their children.
Under the Constitution, the 25-member CA is empowered to vet the competence, fitness, and integrity of key presidential appointees, including senior military officers, and to approve or reject them.
The CA is composed of 12 members each from the House of Representatives and the Senate, with the Senate President serving as ex-officio presiding officer.
Pimentel named the rest of the generals and flag officers awaiting CA confirmation as follows:
For promotion to the rank of rear admiral (two stars): Felipe Bautista, Florante Gagua, Alan Javier, and Juario Marayag. For promotion to the rank of major general (two stars): Simplitius Adecer, Cerilo Balaoro Jr., Rommel Cordova, Antonio Francisco Jr., Eric Gachalian, Ferdinand Napuli, Ramil Oloroso, Adonis Ariel Orio, Ivan Papera, and Joseph Norwin Pasamonte
For promotion to the rank of brigadier general (one star): Rosendo Abad Jr., Hubert Acierto, Ronald Jess Alcudia, Bob Apostol, Jonathan Aquino, Joseph Archog, Roderick Balbanero, Jose Bonifacio Calub, Baltazar Catbagan, Jonna Dalaguit, Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, Ted Dumosmog, Jude Ejercito, Constancio Espina II, Roberto Emmanuel Feliciano, Walter Icaro, Joel Inacay, Michael Logico, Moises Micor, Cesar Molina, Jose Ambrosio Rustia, Allan Jose Taguba, Raul Tangco, Paulo Teodoro, Isidro Alex Urriquia and Gerard Velez
For promotion to the rank of commodore (one star): Alex Gianan and Raul Regis
