Wed, July 30, 2008
MANILA, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has appointed Rear Admiral Ferdinand Golez, brother of her critic Rep. Roilo Golez, as the new Navy chief, replacing Rear Admiral Rogelio Calunsag, who will retire this week, local media said Wednesday.
The appointment will be effective on Saturday when Calunsag bows out from military service, the Manila Bulletin reported.
Rear Admiral Ferdinand Golez, the current commander of the Naval Education and Training Command, was chosen over two other officers who were also recommended by the Military Board of Generals, the report said, citing Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr..
Golez said he was "very grateful" to the President for considering him to lead the Navy even if he is related to opposition Rep. Roilo Golez, who was among those calling for the resignation of Arroyo.
"I'm sure that the President looks at it as we are just doing our job. I'm very grateful to the President for considering me (as Navy chief)," Golez said.
"You cannot select your brother. I'm just very grateful to the President for considering this (his appointment) because this does not happen overnight. I've been an officer for the past 32 years, meaning in that 32 years you develop your reputation, your capability, all of these," he said.
Golez said that the Navy will be vanguard of peace during his stewardship.
"My vision is to ensure that the Navy will be fully relevant for peace, progress and peace, especially so that we are an archipelagic country, maritime country," he said.
Belonging to Philippine Military Academy Class of 1976, Golez is expected to serve as the Navy chief until May 16, 2010 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.
