President Duterte has commended outgoing Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo for his valiant and dedicated service.
In a taped message during the Philippine Navy's change of command ceremony Tuesday, the President recognized that Bacordo has made vital contributions in the modernization of the country's naval force.
Bacordo relinquished his top naval post during the ceremony Tuesday at the Navy's headquarters in Manila following his retirement from the service. He was replaced by Rear Admiral Adeluis Bordado who has been appointed by the President as the Navy's 39th Flag Officer in Command.
"My warmest greetings to Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo as you celebrate your 56th birthday. In behalf of our grateful nation, let me thank you for your valiant and dedicated service in the Philippine Navy," the President said.
"As you finally hang the uniform that you proudly worn for decades, let us recognize your important contribution in strengthening our Navy, in pursuing the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) modernization program, and in touching the lives of the men and women that served under you," he said.
Duterte also wished Bacordo continued success after ending his military career. "With the new chapter unfolding in your life, I wish you continued success and more meaningful years ahead," he said.
Bacordo earlier bared plans to spend more time with his family and possibly get a consultancy job at a private company. "Aside from let’s say sports or other leisure activities or other skills that I may learn, maybe I can accept work in a private firm on a consultancy basis. But I don’t want to work on an 8 to 5, Monday to Friday type. I’d rather be on an on-call basis,” he said.
READ: From pandemic to sea dispute: Outgoing Navy Chief Bacordo looks back on challenging tenure
The President did not physically attend the change of command ceremony at the Navy headquarters in Manila Tuesday. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana instead graced the event the President during the event.
The Palace earlier confirmed that the appointment of Bordado as the incoming chief of the Philippine Navy. Prior to his appointment, Bordado, a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1988, served as PN vice commander.