WPS military commander among 15 newly promoted generals awaiting CA confirmation

THE commander of the armed forces in the disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) heads the list of 15 newly promoted generals and senior naval officers whose papers have been forwarded by Malacañang to the congressional Commission on Appointments (CA) for confirmation hearings.

“The CA has received the appointment papers of Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr., who has been promoted to the rank of vice admiral,” CA Assistant Minority Leader and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said in a statement on Monday.

Torres is the head of the military’s unified Western Command that oversees the WPS. The command is based in Camp Gen. Artemio Ricarte in Puerto Princesa City.

The naval rank of vice admiral, or three stars, is equal to lieutenant general in the other armed services.

“We have also received the papers of Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, who has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant general,” Pimentel said.

Reyeg is head of the military’s unified Visayas Command based in Cebu City.

Pimentel said the other newly promoted generals and senior naval officers awaiting CA confirmation are:

For promotion to the rank of major general:

·      Pedro Balisi Jr. 

·      Dennis Estrella

·      Jimmy Larida

For promotion to the rank of rear admiral:

·      Joe Anthony Orbe

·      Francisco Tagamolila Jr.

·      Roy Vincent Trinidad

For promotion to the rank of commodore:

·      Felipe Bautista

·      Diosdado Caluya Jr.

·      Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr.

·      Vincent Sibala

For promotion to the rank of brigadier general:

•   Romulus Joseph Canieso

•   Roy Anthony Derilo

•   Roman Dioso

“Formal complaints against any of the appointees awaiting confirmation hearings may be filed by concerned citizens with the CA secretariat,” Pimentel said.

In March, the CA rejected an 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.

The Constitution empowers the 25-member CA to vet the competence, fitness and integrity of key presidential appointees, including senior military officers from the rank of colonel, 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 as ex officio presiding officer.