Obituary – Death – Cause of death News :

Sorsogon Bishop Emeritus Arturo Bastes Passes Away at 80

The Catholic community is mourning the loss of Sorsogon bishop emeritus Most Rev. Arturo Bastes, who passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 80. The news was confirmed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), marking the end of an era for the beloved bishop.

Bastes had a long and storied career within the church, serving as bishop of Sorsogon from 2003 to 2019 after previously holding the position of bishop of Romblon in 1997. His dedication to the church began when he was ordained as a priest in 1970, setting him on a path of service and leadership that would define his life.

Beyond his duties as a bishop, Bastes was known for his advocacy work and strong stance on important issues. In 2016, he spearheaded a campaign to allocate 20% of government resources to an anti-poverty fund, demonstrating his commitment to social justice and helping those in need.

Throughout his career, Bastes was not afraid to speak out against injustices. He publicly criticized then President Rodrigo Duterte’s approach to drug-related killings and expressed his opposition to mining operations in Albay due to environmental concerns.

Bastes was a respected figure within the Catholic community, known for his unwavering faith and dedication to serving others. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his legacy of compassion and advocacy will live on.

As we remember the life and work of Most Rev. Arturo Bastes, let us honor his memory by continuing to fight for justice and stand up for those in need. May he rest in peace.

Who was Most Rev. Arturo Bastes?

Most Rev. Arturo Bastes was the bishop emeritus of Sorsogon who recently passed away on Sunday morning. According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Bastes was 80 years old at the time of his passing. Before serving as the bishop of Sorsogon from 2003 to 2019, he also held the position of bishop in Romblon in 1997. He was ordained as a priest in the year 1970.

One of the notable initiatives that Bastes undertook during his time was the launch of a campaign in 2016. The campaign aimed to allocate 20% of government resources to an anti-poverty fund known as the Serendipity fund. Additionally, he served as the chairman and president of the Philippine Bible Society in 2008.

What were some of Most Rev. Arturo Bastes’ Views on Pressing Issues?

Most Rev. Arturo Bastes was vocal about his opinions on various pressing issues. In 2017, he expressed his belief that the complaint filed against then President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court would help shed light on the issue of drug-related killings in the country. He also criticized Duterte’s threat to abolish the Commission on Human Rights in the same year, stating that the President must be ‘out of his mind’ to consider such actions.

Furthermore, Bastes also voiced his opposition to mining operations, particularly in Albay, citing environmental concerns as the primary reason for his stance.

How Did Most Rev. Arturo Bastes Contribute to Society?

Aside from his religious duties, Most Rev. Arturo Bastes made significant contributions to society through his advocacy work. His campaign to allocate government resources to an anti-poverty fund aimed to address the issue of poverty in the country. Additionally, his leadership roles in organizations such as the Philippine Bible Society allowed him to influence positive change within the community.

Moreover, his willingness to speak out on pressing issues demonstrated his commitment to social justice and human rights, underscoring his dedication to making a difference in society.

Overall, Most Rev. Arturo Bastes leaves behind a legacy of service and advocacy that reflects his deep-seated values and beliefs.

Sources:
– GMA News