Photo credit: CBCP

Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila has suspended Fr. Alfonso Valeza from all priestly activities, citing his persistent defiance of the archdiocese's authority. Effective immediately, Fr. Valeza is prohibited from administering sacraments, with any such acts deemed illicit by the archdiocese.

Additionally, Cardinal Advincula has assumed direct control of St. Joseph Parish in Gagalangin, Tondo, Manila, where Fr. Valeza served. A new ministry team, led by Fr. Reginald Malicdem, the archdiocese's vicar general, has been assigned to oversee parish affairs.

The parish administration team, consisting of Fr. Malicdem and other appointed members, will now manage the day-to-day operations of St. Joseph Parish. Fr. Valeza's duties as Parochial Administrator have been officially terminated, effective June 3, 2024.

Fr. Valeza's suspension from exercising priestly faculties came into effect on June 5, 2024, due to his continued defiance of orders and warnings from the Archbishop of Manila. The faithful of St. Joseph Parish are urged to respect and cooperate with the parish administration team.