No Navy turnover today, says Palace

Malacañang doused yesterday speculation over a supposed midnight appointment of Vice Adm. Tirso Danga as new Navy chief to replace Vice Adm. Mateo Mayuga.

Danga is believed to be the brains behind the illegal wiretapping activities that spawned the "Hello Garci" recordings last year. Danga was then the head of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita described Mayuga’s impending replacement as "rumors," saying President Arroyo has not signed any appointment papers for Danga who heads the AFP’s Western Command.

"I think these rumors are being hatched by those wanting to see a turnover (of command at the Navy)," Ermita said. "No appointment papers have crossed my desk."

When asked whether he was referring to Danga as beneficiary of the reported appointment, he said: "No. Admiral Danga is a very professional officer."

Reports said Danga was to be appointed as Navy chief as "gift" on his 55th birthday yesterday. Mayuga is retiring on Dec. 9.

Ermita said there could be some groups that wanted to again sow intrigues in the Armed Forces in an attempt to destabilize it. He said such attempts to divide the Armed Forces were weak and futile.

"The Navy, and the entire Armed Forces for that matter, remains professional," he said.

Despite the Palace’s attempts to downplay the rumors, Mayuga appeared to have taken them seriously, reportedly cutting short his official trip to the United States.

Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz and Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon had also rebuffed talk that Mayuga was being replaced saying the Navy chief was "doing a good job."

Some Navy officers privately describe Danga as "highly ambitious" and a determined man. "Ever since that’s his ambition, to become the flag-officer-in-command," said one officer close to Mayuga.

"There has been talk," said another officer. "He is really aspiring for that." — Paolo Romero