Masbate city: The Diocese of Masbate has a temporary caretaker. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) News reported that Monsignor Claro Caluya III was elected as the diocesan administrator by the College of Consultors on December 19, following the death of Bishop Jose Bantolo.

According to Philippines News Agency, the diocese announced Caluya's election during Bishop Bantolo's funeral Mass on December 30 at Masbate Cathedral. As the diocesan administrator, Caluya will serve in a caretaker capacity, ensuring the basic administration of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed.

Under canon law, the College of Consultors, a group of priests advising the diocesan bishop, is required to elect an administrator within eight days after the diocese becomes vacant. Caluya, ordained to the priesthood in 1972, has served the diocese in various administrative roles for decades, including as vicar general.

Currently, Caluya is the parish priest of St. Patrick Parish in Sitio Cagba, Barangay Tugbo, Masbate City. The senior Catholic priest expressed hope, saying, "We pray that the Lord, in His goodness, will send someone again to shepherd us - hopefully not for long."