 | This article may incorporate text from a large language model. (June 2025) |
 | This biographical article is written like a résumé. (June 2025) |
Ading Cruz | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Official portrait, 2022 | |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Taguig–Pateros 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, Rizal, Philippines |
| Political party | Nacionalista Party (2022–present) |
| Spouse | Miriam Grace Cruz |
| Residence | Taguig, |
| Occupation |
|
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.[1] 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 a municipal councilor of Taguig from 1995 to 2001, during the period when Taguig was still a municipality. He later served as Vice Mayor of Taguig City for three consecutive terms, from 2013 to 2022.
Representative tenure (2022–present)
[edit]Elected to Congress in 2022, Cruz has:
- Authored bills converting the municipality of Pateros into a city and 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."[2]
Controversies
[edit]In 2024, Cruz drew attention for Criticizing colleague Pammy Zamora over uncoordinated relief operations during Typhoon Carina and 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]- ^ Cruz, More from James Patrick (May 13, 2025). "Lino Cayetano loses Taguig-Pateros congressional race to sister-in-law's bet". rappler.com. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
- ^ "Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano chooses Cruz over brother-in-law Lino Cayetano for congressman". Manila Bulletin. October 3, 2024.