CBCP elects Lipa Archbishop Garcera as new president

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The CBCP breaks its tradition of choosing its outgoing vice president — in this case, Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara — as its next president

MANILA, Philippines – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) elected Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera as its new president, replacing Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David by December 1.

Garcera, 66, has been the Lipa archbishop since 2017, shepherding over 3.3 million Catholics. A priest since 1983, Garcera was previously the bishop of Daet. 

He was previously the chairman of the CBCP Commission on Mission and Commission on Family and Life, which means he is well-versed in issues such as contraception and divorce. 

By electing Garcera, the CBCP once again broke its tradition of choosing its outgoing vice president as its next president. 

Had this tradition been followed, Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara would have succeeded David.

David, who was first elected in 2021, is completing his second and final term as president of the bishops’ conference. David will end his second term by November 30.

The election took place on the first day of the CBCP’s 130th plenary assembly in Anda, Bohol.

In the same election, the CBCP chose 68-year-old Zamboanga Archbishop Julius Tonel as its next vice president. 

A priest since 1980, Tonel was previously the bishop of Ipil.

In their new roles as CBCP president and vice president, respectively, Garcera and Tonel are expected to coordinate the moves of the country’s 126 bishops, including 87 who are in active service, in addressing ecclesial and even sociopolitical concerns. They are not, however, considered direct superiors of CBCP members, who are duty-bound to report directly to the Pope.

On the national front, the new CBCP leadership is expected to address national crises such as the rift between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, and the years leading up to the 2028 presidential election. – Rappler.com