Ading Cruz
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Ading Cruz | |
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.jpg?lang=en) Official portrait, 2022 | |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Taguig-Pateros's 1st district | |
| Assumed office June 30, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Alan Peter Cayetano |
| Vice Mayor of Taguig | |
| In office June 30, 2013 – June 30, 2022 | |
| Mayor | Lani Cayetano Lino Cayetano |
| Preceded by | George Elias |
| Succeeded by | Arvin Ian Alit |
| Member of the Taguig Municipal Council | |
| In office June 30, 1995 – June 30, 2001 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Ricardo Samonte Cruz Jr. September 7, 1959 Taguig, Philippines |
| Political party | Nacionalista Party (2025–present) |
| Spouse | Miriam Grace Cruz |
| Residence(s) | Taguig, Metro Manila |
| Occupation |
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Ricardo "Ading" Samonte Cruz Jr. (born September 7, 1959) is a Filipino politician who has served as the representative of Taguig-Pateros's first district since 2022. A member of the Nacionalista Party, he previously served as vice mayor of Taguig under the mayoralties of Lani and Lino Cayetano, from 2013 to 2022.
Early life and education
[edit]Born in Taguig, Cruz comes from a political family with longstanding ties to the city. Details of his formal education remain undisclosed in public records.
Political career
[edit]Local government (1995–2022)
[edit]Cruz began his political career as:
- Councilor (1995–2001) during Taguig's municipal period
- Vice Mayor (2013–2022) across three consecutive terms
During his vice mayoralty, he worked closely with Mayor Lani Cayetano on urban development projects and disaster response programs.
Congressional tenure (2022–present)
[edit]Elected to Congress in 2022, Cruz has:
- Authored bills creating new barangays in Taguig
- Co-authored ecotourism development measures
- Proposed the "Sampung Libong Pag-asa" cash assistance program
- Voted against the 2024 absolute divorce bill
- Supported the revocation of Sonshine Media Network International's franchise
In October 2024, Mayor Lani Cayetano endorsed Cruz over her brother-in-law Lino Cayetano for the 2025 congressional race, citing his "proven track record in public service."[1]
Controversies
[edit]In 2024, Cruz drew attention for:
- Criticizing colleague Pammy Zamora over uncoordinated relief operations during Typhoon Carina
- The subsequent Taguig City Council resolution supporting his position
Personal life
[edit]Married to Miriam Grace Cruz, he owns and operates TOWN Farm in Tanay, Rizal. His political career maintains close ties with the Cayetano political family.
References
[edit]- ^ "Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano chooses Cruz over brother-in-law Lino Cayetano for congressman". Manila Bulletin. October 3, 2024.