Tagbilaran: Father Gerardo Saco Jr. has been appointed as the new bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Vatican announced the appointment made by Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday noon in Rome, which corresponds to 7 p.m. in Manila. Archbishop Charles Brown, who serves as the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, conveyed the news to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines.

Saco, who has been serving as the diocesan administrator since October 2025, is set to succeed Archbishop Alberto Uy. Archbishop Uy led the diocese for approximately eight years before his recent transfer to the Archdiocese of Cebu in September 2025.

Born in Tagbilaran, Saco pursued his studies in philosophy at the diocese's Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary and completed his theology education at San Carlos Seminary in Cebu City. Ordained as a priest on April 26, 1993, Saco has previously held the position of vicar general under Archbishop Uy. He is now the eighth bishop of Tagbilaran.

In addition to his role as diocesan administrator, Saco headed the diocesan Commission on Social Action and managed the St. Vincent Ferrer Mission Station in Barangay Cabawan, Tagbilaran City. His pastoral experience also includes leading parishes such as Our Lady of Lourdes in Tagbilaran City, Our Lady of the Assumption in Dauis, and Holy Cross in Maribojoc.