Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday expressed doubts that Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado, the Philippine Navy flag officer in command who had been sacked, will be given another high military position. Lorenzana cited the looming retirement of Mercado, who was removed over an P18-billion frigate deal. “His [Mercado] status here at the Office of Chief of Staff is that he will stay here until March unless he will be reassigned,” Lorenzana added. Mercado, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983, is set to retire in March 2018. AFP chief Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero said Mercado is “actively” transferring his leadership of the Philippine Navy to Empedrad, who will serve in an acting capacity.

Source: Manila Times December 22, 2017 13:18 UTC