Priest elected to temporarily lead Masbate diocese

January 5, 2026 – 4:44 PM

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A senior Catholic priest has been chosen to temporarily govern the Diocese of Masbate.

Monsignor Claro Caluya III was elected diocesan administrator by the College of Consultors on Dec. 19, days after the death of Bishop Jose Bantolo.

The diocese announced Caluya’s election during Bantolo’s funeral Mass on Dec. 30 at Masbate Cathedral.

“We pray that the Lord, in His goodness, will send someone again to shepherd us—hopefully not for long,” Caluya said.

The diocesan administrator serves in a caretaker role, ensuring the basic administration of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed.

Under canon law, the College of Consultors — a group of priests that advises the diocesan bishop — must elect an administrator within eight days after the diocese becomes vacant.

Caluya was ordained to the priesthood in 1972 and has served the diocese in various administrative roles for decades, including as vicar general.

He is currently the parish priest of St. Patrick Parish in Sitio Cagba, Barangay Tugbo, Masbate City.