President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr. on Friday urged the new Philippine Navy Chief to lead with integrity amid the challenging maritime security landscape. 

Marcos graced the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony in honor of former Navy Chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. at the Naval Headquarters in Roxas Boulevard, Manila. 

The President expressed confidence the Philippine Navy can pursue new heights in defending and protecting the country’s maritime territories with the installation of a new navy chief,  Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta.

“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,” Marcos told Ezpeleta in a keynote speech during the Change of Command. 

“I look forward to working with you, and I give you my full support as you build on your legacy. Let us work together as we steer the future in the right direction for a more secure, advanced, and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas,” Marcos added. 

In response to Marcos’ order, Ezpeleta said he would continue PN’s recalibration of its approach and operations in protecting and defending the country’s maritime resources under his watch. 

“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. 

He acknowledged that navigating complex waters “born out of the current security environment is no easy task.”

But vowed that the Navy will intensify its maritime security operations by strengthening its military presence in the country’s operational areas. 

“As such, we shall continue to enhance our support to the unified commands and push for the optimum deployment of our naval assets and personnel," he said.

Ezpeleta said the enactment of the Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act is crucial to defining the scope of the Navy's areas of responsibility.

He noted that twin measures will allow the Navy to protect and project appropriate capabilities in the Philippines' exclusive economic zones, which significantly contribute to protecting sovereignty, promoting sustainable development, and securing future prosperity. 

“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,” he said. 

Ezpeleta previously served as the 57th vice commander of the naval forces from August to November this year. 

He was the Navy chief of staff from August 2022 to August 2024 and commander of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon from September  2019 to August 2022.

As the Navy’s second-in-command, Ezpeleta’s role is essential in supporting Adaci in strategic planning and operational execution.

Ezpeleta is a member of the Philippine Military Academy's (PMA) “Sambisig” Class of 1991.

Change of Command

Marcos, meanwhile, honored Adaci for his “countless milestones” and “commendable accomplishments,” citing the outgoing Navy chief’s firmness in asserting the country’s rights in the maritime domain while safeguarding Filipinos’ lives and promoting regional peace and stability.

Ezpeleta replaced Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. as a member of PMA Class 1989, who overtook the Navy on 24 November 2022. 

Prior to leading the PN, Adaci was designated as the commander of the Naval Forces of Western Mindanao and occupied key Navy positions, serving as commander of Naval Installation Command, commander of Fleet-Marine Ready, and Fleet Inspector General.

Marcos said Adaci was “exactly what this country needed: mild-mannered and calm.”

“His presence of mind was unshakeable despite provocations and attempts to escalate tensions,” he added. 

Hence, Marcos touted Adaci’s support for the Navy personnel’s training, growth, and welfare to ensure that they “remain professional and capable of heeding the call of duty.”

The President recognized Adaci’s efforts in spearheading modernization efforts that have equipped the naval forces with advanced assets and technologies.

“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 acknowledged Adaci’s legacy in championing regional cooperation and partnership by fostering ties with the country’s allies and neighbors and “by promoting collaborative efforts towards peace and stability in our maritime zones.”