Pope Leo XIV officially accepted the resignation of Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc as head of the Diocese of Kalibo, according to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
The pontiff also named Archbishop Victor Bendico of Capiz as apostolic administrator “sede vacante” of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed.
Under canon law, bishops are required to submit their resignation to the pope upon reaching age 75, though it is uncommon for the resignation to be accepted the same day.
Tala-oc, who had marked his 75th birthday on June 9, served as bishop of Kalibo for nearly 14 years.
“We thank all for their understanding and cooperation during this period of transition,” Kalibo diocesan chancellor Fr. Justy More said.
Tala-oc was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Kalibo in 1979, then was later named bishop in May 2011 and installed in July that year.
