Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa on Monday formally assumed the presidency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
Garcera, who was elected during the CBCP’s 130th plenary assembly in July, succeeds Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan.
David, having completed two four-year terms, now serves as vice president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.
As CBCP president, Garcera will lead the bishops’ conference, oversee its programs, and function as its chief spokesperson.
He also chairs the CBCP Permanent Council, which manages day-to-day operations and enforces policies approved by the plenary.
Garcera previously held key posts within the CBCP, including assistant secretary general and executive secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Mission.
He later became bishop of Daet in 2007 and went on to chair both the Episcopal Commission on Mission and the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life.
Working alongside him is Archbishop Julius Tonel of Zamboanga, who now serves as CBCP vice president.
The newly appointed regional representatives of the CBCP Permanent Council from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao likewise assumed office for a term spanning Dec. 1, 2025 to Nov. 30, 2027.