Surigao bishop is new CBCP head

MANILA, Philippines - Tandag, Surigao del Sur Bishop Nereo Odchimar formally assumed the presidency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday.

The 69-year-old bishop, a Canon Law expert, took over from Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo who completed two terms.

Odchimar is the 18th head of the bishops’ collegial body.

The CBCPNews reported that Odchimar served as the organization’s vice president during the term of Lagdameo from 2005 to 2009.

“As far as I am concerned I am aware of the work of the CBCP president. Activities of the CBCP are not a one-man activity but the decisions are collective,” the new CBCP president said.

He also promised to be more responsive to “urgent” issues affecting the Church and the country and would continue Lagdameo’s projects.

When asked to comment on the plan of President Arroyo to run for congresswoman in the second district of Pampanga, the newly appointed CBCP president merely said, “That is a political question. I prefer not to delve into that.”

Odchimar was born on Oct. 16, 1940 and was ordained as a priest on Dec. 19, 1964, spending most of his priesthood in Surigao province.