Senator Risa Hontiveros introduced a resolution congratulating and commending the appointment of His Excellency, Most Reverend Pablo Virgilio David, Bishop of the Diocese of Kalookan, as a cardinal of the Catholic Church.
The resolution, posted on Hontiveros’ official social media page on Monday, December 9, highlights Bishop David’s contributions to the Church and his steadfast advocacy for human dignity and social justice.
Hontiveros expressed her deep admiration for Bishop David, popularly known as Bishop Ambo, citing their shared commitment to addressing issues of human rights and social justice.
She lauded his unwavering dedication to uplifting marginalized communities and his vocal opposition to inhumane government policies, particularly the controversial war on drugs, which has deeply affected the impoverished communities of Kalookan, Navotas, and Malabon.
On October 6, 2024, Pope Francis named Bishop David as one of the new cardinals of the Catholic Church. He was formally elevated to the rank of cardinal on December 7 at the Vatican.
“The appointment of Cardinal David brings a sense of admiration, immense joy, and great hope,” said Hontiveros. “It assures us that those in the peripheries—the lost, the least, the last, the vulnerable, the oppressed, and the excluded—will be bound in communion and unity within the Church.”
Bishop Ambo is widely recognized for his efforts to establish spiritual sanctuaries and mission stations that serve the poor and marginalized.
He has been a leading voice in advocating for human rights and social justice, ensuring that the Church remains a refuge for those in need.
Hontiveros emphasized the cardinal’s readiness to embrace his global responsibilities. “Even though the Philippines is predominantly Catholic, Cardinal David understands the Church’s role in Asia, where Christianity is a minority. He champions openness to intercultural and interreligious dialogue, finding spaces for collaboration and walking in solidarity with people of other faiths.”
Bishop David’s elevation marks a historic milestone, as he becomes the 10th Filipino cardinal since 1960, the third appointed by Pope Francis, and the first from the Diocese of Kalookan.
He now joins Cardinals Gaudencio Rosales, Orlando Quevedo, Jose Advincula, and Luis Antonio Tagle in supporting the Pope’s mission to bridge local churches with the universal Church.
Born on March 2, 1959, in Betis, Guagua, Pampanga, Bishop David discerned his priestly vocation early in life.
His fondness for catechism, the Eucharist, and the heritage of the Pampanga Church, particularly the historic Betis Church, shaped his spiritual journey.
Ordained as a priest in 1983, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of San Fernando in 2006 and Bishop of Kalookan in 2015. Over his 41-year ministry, he has emerged as one of the country’s leading biblical scholars, holding advanced degrees in sacred theology from the Catholic University of Louvain and having trained at the École Biblique et Archéologique Française in Jerusalem.
As a bishop for 18 years, Cardinal David has held key leadership roles in the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), serving as Vice President from 2017 to 2021 and as its President since 2021.
In January 2025, he will assume the position of Vice President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences. He is also a member of the Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod, further amplifying his influence in global Church affairs.
Hontiveros concluded by underscoring the significance of Cardinal David’s elevation, particularly as the Church prepares for the Holy Year of Jubilee in 2025. “His appointment is a beacon of hope, renewing our faith in Christ and reaffirming the Church’s mission to serve with great mercy and compassion.”
Cardinal David’s appointment signals a new chapter for the Catholic Church in the Philippines and Asia. As a scholar, pastor, and advocate for justice, he embodies the Church’s mission to bring Christ’s love to the peripheries, fostering unity and hope in a world yearning for compassion and solidarity.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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