Philippine President appoints new Chief of the Navy

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Philippine Navy Headquarters in Manila, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said he was confident that Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta would lead the Philippine Navy with integrity, continuing the high standards set by his predecessor.

“We turn a new leaf as we welcome the new Flag Officer-in-Command. Having worked with the FOIC closely, you can attest to the standard he has set for the institution. I expect the same, if not greater, from your leadership,” Marcos Jr said.

“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.”

Ferdinand Marcos Jr, President of the Philippines

Ezpeleta, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1991, replaced Navy Chief VADM Toribio Adaci Jr., following the latter’s retirement from service. Adaci took over the Navy on November 24, 2022. Ezpeleta said he would continue to push for the naval service to have a “greater role” in external defense operations.

Beijing has faced accusations of employing aggressive tactics against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, including firing water cannons and deploying high-intensity lasers. These actions are seen as attempts to assert its expansive territorial claims over the contested waters.

China lays claim to nearly the entire South China Sea, disregarding overlapping claims from neighboring countries, including the Philippines. It also rejects a 2016 international arbitral ruling that invalidated its claims, stating that they have no legal basis under international law.

“We shall continue to embrace and prepare for our increasing role in external defense operations, especially with the adoption of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Concept and in tandem with the Navy’s Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy,” he said.

CADC is Manila’s new strategy that aims to defend the country’s exclusive economic zone. Under CADC, which emphasises maritime security, the Philippines is expected to consider a wide variety of missile options, including anti-ship and surface-to-air systems.

In January this year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced a plan to upgrade all nine territorial features in WPS — by installing desalination machines and communications equipment, acquiring more ships, radars and aircraft, in line with CADC.

“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.”

Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta

According to Espeleta, the Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act that were recently signed into law by President Marcos Jnr will help define the scope of the Navy’s areas of responsibility.

He said it will allow the Navy to protect and project appropriate capabilities in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zones, which contribute to protecting sovereignty, promoting sustainable development, and securing future prosperity.

The Philippine Maritime Zones Act defines the nation’s maritime boundaries while the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act governs the transit of foreign vessels.

“Given this development, we remain committed to modernizing our force through capability enhancement and continuous development of our bases and facilities, as well as our maritime domain awareness, which contributes to bringing a holistic defense posture to our nation,” Espeleta said.