Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa, Batangas, has been elected as the new president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
His election took place during the CBCP’s 130th plenary assembly held in Anda, Bohol, according to CBCP News. Garcera will serve a two-year term starting December 1, 2025, and is eligible for one re-election.
He will take over from Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, whose term as CBCP president concludes in November.
Alongside Garcera, Archbishop Julius Tonel of Zamboanga has been chosen as the new vice president, succeeding Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara of Pasig. All newly elected members of the CBCP Permanent Council will assume office at the start of December.