The Diocese of Tagbilaran, a suffragan diocese of the Archdiocese of Cebu, has yet to receive its new bishop after the Vatican’s chosen replacement has declined to take up the post.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reported that Fr. Gerardo Saco Jr., who was serving as diocesan administrator at the time of his appointment, was scheduled for episcopal ordination and installation on May 26.
Saco was set to replace Archbishop Alberto Uy, who was transferred to Cebu in September 2025.
However, Saco’s decision came more than a month after Pope Leo XIV appointed him to lead the Tagbilaran diocese. He was asking for understanding for what he described as a “change of heart.”
“It comes from a deep awareness of my own human limitations and inadequacies,” Saco said.
“Please be assured of my continued commitment as a priest, to journey with you in faith in the Risen Lord, who never abandons us in moments of trial and need,” he added.
Archbishop Uy said the Vatican had accepted Saco’s decision after it was communicated to Pope Leo XIV through the papal nuncio.
“This development has brought sadness to many of us, especially the faithful of the Diocese of Tagbilaran. Nevertheless, we respect Fr. Saco’s decision, trusting that it was made after deep and prayerful discernment,” Uy said.