Mindanao bishop new CBCP head
(Update on Bishops to Elect new CBCP President , repost from CBCPnews ) MANILA, July 11, 2009— The new president of the influential Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is based in Mindanao. Winning by an overwhelming majority of bishops from 86 dioceses in the country, Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar would succeed outgoing CBCP chief Archbishop Angel Lagdameo. Odchimar, a canon lawyer, is currently serving his first term as vice president of the bishops’ collegial body. Odchimar was elected during the 99th Plenary Assembly of the Bishops’ Conference at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila Saturday. CBCP secretary general Msgr Juanito Figura said the vote was taken among the 88 active bishops at the meeting. Several of the bishops earlier expressed support for his election. As president of the CBCP, the 68-year-old prelate will also chair the organization’s Permanent Council The council acts for and in behalf of the entire conference whenever the plenary assembly,...