CBCP elects Archbishop Garcera as next president, Archbishop Tonel as VP

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) elected Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera as its next president and Zamboanga Archbishop Julius Tonel as vice president during their 130th plenary assembly in Anda, Bohol on Saturday, July 5.

Garcera, 66, will succeed Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David and take office on December 1, 2025, overseeing over 3.3 million Catholics as Lipa archbishop since 2017.

The new president has extensive experience in church organizations such as the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, chairing the CBCP Commission on Mission and Commission on Family and Life.

Tonel, 68, will replace Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara as vice president when his term ends in November.

All members of the Permanent Council will officially begin their terms on December 1, 2025.