Former Navy chiefs frown on sacking of Mercado

From Malaya Business Insight (Jan 9): Former Navy chiefs frown on sacking of Mercado

FORMER Navy chiefs have expressed disappointment over the unceremonious relief of Vice Adm. Ronald Joseph Mercado as Navy chief last month for acts tantamount to insubordination, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said yesterday.

Lorenzana said he recently met with the former officials to clear the air regarding the relief of Mercado, who is now assigned to the office of AFP chief Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero.

Lorenzana did not say when and where the meeting was held.

“I have talked to former flag officers in command (of the Navy). I requested from them a meeting and I explained to them the root cause why Admiral Mercado was relieved,” Lorenzana said.

“They expressed their disappointment over the process (of Mercado’s relief). They said I violated the long-honored tradition of retirement, parade and everything,” said Lorenzana.

Mercado was relieved on December 19 and replaced by AFP deputy chief of staff for retirees and reservists affairs Rear Adm. Robert Empedrad in an acting capacity. He relinquished the post in rites held at the office of AFP chief Gen. Leonardo Ray Guerrero, without the traditional testimonial parade and review in honor of the outgoing Navy chief.

“I said because the situation was fluid, we can no longer have formal turnover. I explained to them and they understood,” he also said.

Lorenzana last month said he recommended to President Duterte Mercado’s relief because he has “lost trust and confidence in his integrity and leadership.” He said Mercado has been pushing for the installation of a combat management system (CMS) manufactured by a French firm on two frigates which are still under construction. He said he has told Mercado to stop insisting on the CMS produced by the French firm and instead let the Hyundai Heavy Industries of Korea, which is constructing the frigates, to make the decision.

Mercado reportedly did not heed Lorenzana’s directives.

There are reports Mercado is considering going on early retirement. Mercado is due to reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 in March this year.

Lorenzana said, “I think he is already requesting, according to some of the former FOICs (flag officers in command) that talked to him, that he will just be allowed to retire in March. I said he can retire (in March). No one is forcing him to retire earlier,” he said.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/former-navy-chiefs-frown-sacking-mercado