Teodoro Bacani Jr.

Teodoro Cruz Bacani Jr. (born January 16, 1940) is a Dominican, who became the first bishop of Novaliches on January 16, 2003, serving until November 25, 2003. He previously served as Auxiliary Bishop of Manila from 1984 to 2002.

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Cruz and the surname or paternal family name is Bacani.
The Most Reverend

Teodoro Bacani Jr.

OP
Bishop Emeritus of Novaliches
Bishop Bacani, circa 2019.
ChurchCatholic Church
DioceseNovaliches
AppointedDecember 7, 2002
In officeJanuary 16, 2003 – November 25, 2003
PredecessorPosition established
SuccessorAntonio Tobias
Other post(s)Spiritual advisor of El Shaddai (2003–)
Orders
OrdinationDecember 21, 1965
ConsecrationApril 12, 1984
Personal details
Born
Teodoro Cruz Bacani Jr.

(1940-01-16) January 16, 1940
Balanga, Bataan, Philippine Commonwealth
Previous post(s)Auxiliary Bishop of Manila (1984–2002)
Titular bishop of Gauriana (1984–2002)
Coat of armsTeodoro Bacani Jr.'s coat of arms

Career

Bacani was ordained priest on December 21, 1965 in the Diocese of Iba in Zambales.[1] He was also a former dean and professor in theology at the San Carlos Seminary.[2] He served as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Manila and titular bishop of Gauriana from 1984 to 2002.[3] He is also the spiritual advisor of the El Shaddai charismatic group.[4]

Following the creation of the Diocese of Novaliches in December 7, 2002, by Pope John Paul II, Bacani was appointed as its first bishop.[5] He was appointed as bishop of the diocese on January 16, 2003, on his 63rd birthday.[3] In April 2003, Bacani was accused of sexually harassing his 33-year old personal secretary. He denied the allegations but admitted to making "inappropriate expression of affection" to her.[6] He was backed by the diocese and El Shaddai who expressed confidence in Bacani.[7] He resigned from the position in November 25, 2003.[3]

On August 15, 2019, Bacani joined the Order of Preachers.[8]

Political involvement

Bacani was among the critics of the administration of former president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos.[7] He was among the framers of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines.[9] Amidst the impeachment of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, he supported the "search for the truth" behind allegations that Arroyo cheated in the 2004 elections.[10]

Bacani was critical of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) of the administration of President Benigno Aquino III which he says is just used as a means for bribery. He alleged the DAP was used to bribe senators so that Renato Corona could be impeached.[11]

Bacani also oppose the purchase of contraceptives by the Philippine government which he believes is detrimental.[12]

Bacani joined other members of the clergy in condemning the war on drugs of President Rodrigo Duterte.[13][14]

For the 2022 presidential elections, Bacani disavowed El Shaddai leader's Mike Velarde's endorsement of then-candidate Bongbong Marcos's campaign. While he maintain he respect's Velarde's position, he called the endorsement as "very wrong" pointing out the reputation of the Marcos family's corruption.[15]

References
  1. "Bishop Teodoro Cruz Bacani, Jr". Catholic-Hierarchy. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  2. Rufo, Aries (June 6, 2013). "The fall of the rising star". Rappler. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  3. "Pope Accepts Resignation Of Bishop Teodoro Bacani". UCA News. Union of Catholic Asian News. November 25, 2003. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  4. Shaw, Kathy (August 22, 2003). "Bacani returns to El Shaddai mass". Poynter. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  5. Samonte, Severino (August 30, 2019). "Diocese of Novaliches gets its 3rd bishop". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  6. Aravilla, Jose (November 26, 2003). "Vatican accepts Bacani resignation". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  7. Aravilla, Jose (June 16, 2003). "Novaliches priests see Bacani acquittal". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  8. Aquino, Leslie Ann (October 6, 2020). "Retired Bishop Bacani now part of Dominican family". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  9. Baroña, Franco Jose C.; Cueto, Francis Earl; Tolentino, Maria Reina Leanne (August 15, 2022). "FVR helped restore democracy – bishop". Manila Times. Archived from the original on August 15, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  10. Diaz, Jess (August 4, 2006). "Bishop Bacani joins impeachment complaints". The Philippine Star. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  11. Franche-Borja, Doris (October 4, 2013). "New 'evil' ang DAP – Obispo". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  12. Franche-Borja, Doris (September 9, 2011). "Pondo sa contraceptives pinababantayan". Pilipino Star Ngayon. The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  13. Romero, Alexis (January 25, 2017). "Panelo says Duterte free to express opinion vs Catholic Church". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  14. So, Levi (January 25, 2017). "Bishop Bacani to Duterte: We serve at the pope's pleasure, not yours". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  15. "El Shaddai adviser disowns Marcos endorsement: Don't vote for Marcos". Rappler. February 14, 2022. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
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