Pope Francis appoints new Cebu Auxiliary bishop

Archbishop Jose Palma has announced on Thursday that Pope Francis has appointed a new auxiliary bishop of Cebu.

"I feel privileged and very happy to make this announcement. The Holy Father has appointed the most Rev. Ruben Labajo, auxiliary bishop of Cebu," Palma said in a gathering in Cebu City.

Msgr. Ruben Labajo is presently the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cebu and moderator of the St. Francis Assisi Parish in Balamban town, according to the report posted on the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website.

The 56-year-old priest, who hails from Talisay City in Cebu, completed his philosophy and theology studies at the San Carlos Seminary College and was ordained priest on June 10, 1994.

He was assigned in various parishes in the province of Cebu.

In 2017, he became a member of the archdiocese’s Council of Consultors, Episcopal Vicar of the archdiocese’s 1st District, and member of the Presbyteral Council.

Labajo joins Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil Billones in the task of assisting Archbishop Palma in the management of archdiocesan matters. His episcopal ordination has yet to be announced. -- BAP, GMA News