MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad has dropped a clue on who might succeed him when he retires in a few weeks.
With the Navy flag and other senior officers present, he announced at a dinner after his exit interview with the media on Wednesday that his successor would come from Philippine Military Academy “Hinirang” Class of 1987.
There are six names considered to replace Empedrad. Those from PMA Class 1987 are: Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, Naval Sea Systems Command chief Rear Admiral Rommel Jason Galang, Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command chief Rear Admiral Loumer Bernabe and Naval Forces Western Mindanao chief Rear Admiral Erick Kagaoan.
Meanwhile, those from PMA Class 1988 are: AFP deputy chief of staff for reservists Rear Admiral Ramil Roberto Enriquez and AFP Education, Training and Command chief Rear Admiral Adelius Bordado.
This may be Empedrad’s strongest hint yet that the next Navy chief would not come from the PMA “Maringal” Class of 1988.
Insiders have been saying that those from PMA Class 1988 have a strong political backing compared to their seniors, which gives them an advantage.
Empedrad will reach the compulsory retirement age of 56 on February 3.