Philippines: Calapan Bishop Promulgates Code for Safeguarding Minors, Vulnerable Persons
The Apostolic Vicar of Calapan in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, has formally promulgated a “Code for the Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Persons,” reinforcing the Church’s commitment to protect children and at-risk individuals from sexual abuse and misconduct.
In a decree dated February 10, 2026, Bishop Moisés M. Cuevas of Calapan said the code was issued in communion with the Roman Pontiff and in response to the universal Church’s mandate to address sexual offenses committed by clergy against minors and vulnerable persons.
The bishop cited key Church documents, including “Vos estis lux mundi and Come una madre amorevole,” underscoring the obligation of diocesan bishops to safeguard the “bonum Ecclesiae” (the good of the Church), particularly in cases involving sexual abuse.
“I hereby promulgate this Code for the Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Persons as it has been reviewed, compiled, revised, and consolidated after the three-year “ad experimentum” implementation,” Cuevas said in the decree.
The code, which underwent a three-year trial period, now serves as the fundamental statutory document of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan. It outlines rules and norms of action aimed at preserving right order in the personal and ministerial life of clerics, whether incardinated in or affiliated with the vicariate.
The bishop emphasized that, in accordance with Canon Law, he exercises legislative, executive, and judicial authority in governing the local Church and ensuring that justice is served not only for clergy but for the People of God.
Effective Feb 11, 2026, on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the new safeguarding code will have the force of law throughout the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan.
In recent years, Church leaders worldwide have strengthened safeguarding mechanisms in response to calls for greater accountability, transparency, and protection of minors and vulnerable persons within ecclesial communities.
