Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar formally assumed the presidency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Tuesday, the 18th head of the influential Catholic organization.

Odchimar, 69, was elected during the CBCP’s Plenary Assembly last July by a majority of bishops, succeeded Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.

Aside from Odchimar, other members of the CBCP Permanent Council also assumed their posts yesterday namely; Palo, Leyte Archbishop Jose Palma, elected CBCP vice president; Monsignor Juanito Figura, elected CBCP secretary general; and Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, elected CBCP treasurer.

Regional representatives are Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena, San Fernando Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David, Taytay Bishop Edgardo Juanich and Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes for Luzon; Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso and Jaro Auxiliary Bishop Gerardo Alminaza for the Visayas; and Pagadian Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar and Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo Valles for Mindanao.

Members of the CBCP are assembled as a "plenary assembly" twice a year. When the plenary assembly is not in session, it is the Permanent Council which acts for the entire organization.

One major function of the council is to prepare joint statements or pastoral letter of the hierarchy on matters decided by the plenary assembly provided that copies are sent to other members for comments before they are officially released.

Bishop Odchimar will be working first on the transfer of leadership as he has to evaluate matters in CBCP commissions and concurrently consult with other bishops.