AFTER incoming president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa and vice president Archbishop Julius Tonel of Zamboanga, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday announced the full composition of its Permanent Council, which will serve from December 2025 to November 2027.
CBCP News disclosed that Archbishop John Du of Palo was elected as treasurer while Msgr. Bernardo Pantin has been retained as secretary general.
Elected regional representatives were: Bishop David William Antonio of Ilagan (North Luzon), Bishop Roberto Mallari of Tarlac (Central Luzon), Bishop Herman Abcede of Daet (South Luzon), Bishop Euginius Cañete of Gumaca (Southeast Luzon), and Bishop Elias Ayuban of Cubao (Southwest Luzon).
In the Visayas, named as regional representatives were: Bishop Isabelo Abarquez of Calbayog (East and Central Visayas), and Bishop Marvyn Maceda of San Jose de Antique (West Visayas).
Regional representatives for Mindanao are Bishop Cosme Almedilla of Butuan (North Mindanao), Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan (Eastern Mindanao), and Bishop Glenn Corsiga of Ipil (Western Mindanao).
The Permanent Council acts for and on behalf of the CBCP when the plenary assembly is not in session.
The plenary assembly is considered the highest decision-making body of the CBCP and meets only twice a year.
During the 130th CBCP Plenary Assembly, the CBCP announced the election of Garcera and Tonel as the president and vice president, respectively.
In a radio interview yesterday, Garcera asked the faithful to pray for him and the CBCP.
“Please pray for me because the cross that is on me is very heavy. So let’s pray together and help each other so that God’s will may be done for us,” said Garcera.
He also called on all Filipinos to stay united amidst all the challenges.
“Continue your journey together as Filipinos united in the name of Jesus,” said Garcera.
