Palma assumes as CBCP chief today

CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma fills in a new role as president of the influential Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) starting today.

The 61-year-old Palma, who will replace Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar as CBCP’s president, will have a two-year mandate.

A formal turnover ceremony was reportedly conducted yesterday at the CBCP Headquarters in Intramuros, Manila.

Cebuano priest Rev. Fr. Marvin Mejia will also assume his post as assistant secretary general of the CBCP.

While Palma will be based in Cebu City, Mejia will reside at the CBCP Headquarters to assist Msgr. Joselito Asis, the conference’s secretary general.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas shall also assume his post as vice president.

Dumaguete Bishop John Du, a Cebuano, will be CBCP’s treasurer.

In an earlier interview, Palma is asking the people to pray for him.

As  CBCP  president,  Palma said he aims to “foster solidarity among the bishops” and implement pastoral directives from the Catholic Church.

He is set to face several national issues, which include the arrest of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the Church campaign against the controversial Reproductive Health bill. Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol