Bishop Broderick Pabillo, former apostolic administrator of Manila, has vowed to continue defending the environment and human rights as he assumed his new role as the vicar apostolic of Taytay in Palawan on August 19.

“My goal is to enlighten the people in truth, uphold justice, protect the environment that is God’s gift for all and not just the few, and uphold the right of every person,” said the prelate.

Bishop Pabillo was formally installed by Bishop Socrates Mesiona of Puerto Princesa nearly two months after the Vatican announced his appointment on June 29. 

In his homily, Bishop Pabillo told the faithful that he will “not refrain from speaking and acting to save you from danger and from deceptions.”

“I will not just simply meddle in the state of the local Church. I want to spend time with them, especially with those who are marginalized. I hope you will accept me,” he said. 

The prelate said he is open to dialogue and collaboration with government officials and politicians but he warned them that he will not stop giving criticisms.

“I want to cooperate with you for the sake of our community. But I hope you understand that sometimes you will hear intense criticisms,” he said. 

Bishop Pabillo said criticisms “do not mean that I am attacking you personally. Let’s be professional and mature.”

The 66-year-old prelate served as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Manila for 15 years before Pope Francis appointed him vicar apostolic of Taytay. 

Bishop Pabillo is known as a staunch critic of the present administration on various social issues including environmental concerns. 

He was ordained a priest in 1982 and served as a missionary in the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa in Palawan for seven years. 

He was parish priest of St. Ezequiel Moreno Parish until he became a bishop.

Bishop Pabillo said, “It is a miracle of God that I was able to return to Palawan. I really want to return here and serve. It was a huge miracle that my desire was granted.”

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, assured Bishop Pabillo of prayers.

“God will show His faithfulness to His people through you, and you will see God’s grandeur through them,” said Cardinal Tagle.

Vicariates and prelatures are regarded by the Vatican as mission territories and fall under the jurisdiction of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

Bishop Pabillo is the second vicar apostolic of Taytay after the resignation of Bishop Edgardo Juanich in 2018 due to health reasons. – with a report from LiCAS.news and CBCP News