Ex-Navy official named new PMA head

PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. has designated Navy vice commander Rear Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia as superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

Valencia took the helm of the PMA on Saturday during rites presided over by Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr, at the PMA grounds in Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City.

Valencia succeeded Lt. Gen. Rowen Tolentino, who is due to reach the maximum two-year tour of duty provided under Republic Act 11939.

Tolentino, who assumed as PMA superintendent in August 2022, is now deemed retired from the service since the law provides that the PMA superintendent cannot assume any other position in the military, except the post of AFP chief.

Brawner assumed the AFP chief post in July last year and has a maximum three-year tour of duty, unless sooner terminated by the President.

Valencia, a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1990, was the Navy vice commander prior to his designation as PMA superintendent.

He was designated in a concurrent capacity as acting Navy chief in September 2022. Two months later, he relinquished the top Navy post to incumbent Navy chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr.

Under the law, the maximum tenure-in-grade of a rear admiral like Valencia is three years, meaning Valencia will have to be subjected to forced attrition or retirement if he is not promoted to the next higher rank of vice admiral.

Valencia’s promotion to rear admiral was approved by the Commission on Appointment in August 2021.

The post of PMA superintendent is a three-star (lieutenant general or vice admiral) position, thus Valencia’s promotion to the next rank is expected to come soon.

In his address, Brawner said the tenure of Tolentino, his classmate at PMA class 1989, was marked by dedication, vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

“Under his guidance, the PMA has continued to uphold its proud traditions while embracing the challenges of the modern world,” Brawner said.