Pope Leo XIV has accepted the decision of Bishop-elect Gerardo “Jingboy” Saco Jr. to renounce his impending episcopal ordination, leaving the Diocese of Tagbilaran without a bishop-designate and awaiting a new papal appointment.
Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy confirmed this week that he received word of the pope’s acceptance directly from the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown, after Saco formally notified the Holy Father of his decision.
The supposed ordination had been scheduled for May 26, 2026.
“We respect his decision,” Archbishop Uy said, acknowledging that the move stemmed from Saco’s deep and prayerful discernment.
The archbishop expressed regret but said the Church would honor the priest’s personal judgment.
In an official statement, Saco, 60, said his withdrawal came from “a deep awareness of my own human limitations and inadequacies,” following extensive prayer and reflection.
“I sincerely ask for your understanding regarding this change of heart,” Saco said in the statement. “Please be assured of my continued commitment as a priest, to journey with you in faith in the Risen Lord, who never abandons us in moments of trial and need.”
Saco had been appointed by Pope Leo XIV on March 25, 2026, as the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran, tasked with filling the vacancy left when Archbishop Uy was transferred to the Archdiocese of Cebu.
His withdrawal leaves the diocese without a named successor as it awaits a new appointment from the Vatican.
A native of Tagbilaran City, Saco was born Oct. 16, 1965.
He studied philosophy at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Tagbilaran and theology at the San Carlos Seminary in Cebu before his ordination to the priesthood on April 26, 1993 — a ministry spanning more than three decades.
Over the course of his priestly service, Saco held parish assignments in Calape, Alburquerque, Dauis, Maribojoc, and Manga. He also served as a missionary priest in Libya from 2001 to 2003 and as a visiting priest in New York.
He later served as Vicar General of the Diocese of Tagbilaran before being named Diocesan Administrator in October 2025 following Archbishop Uy’s transfer to Cebu.
The Diocese of Tagbilaran, which covers the province of Bohol, is now calling on the faithful to pray for Saco and for the Church’s leadership during the transition period.