Oscar Cruz


Oscar V. Cruz is an archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines. He was the Archbishop Emeritus of Lingayen-Dagupan in Pangasinan, Philippines, from 1991 to 2009.

Biography

Oscar Cruz was born on November 17, 1934 in Balanga, Bataan, Philippines. He received his seminary training at the University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary, and further theology studies at the Lateran University.
His priestly ordination was on February 8, 1962, and his episcopal consecration on May 3, 1976. He was the first Filipino rector of San Carlos Seminary of the Archdiocese of Manila from 1973 to 1978. He was an auxiliary bishop of Manila and archbishop of the Archdiocese of San Fernando. He served as a judicial vicar of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines National Tribunal of Appeals, and director of the CBCP Legal Office. He was appointed Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan on July 15, 1991.
Cruz has published many books, including CBCP Guidelines on Sexual Abuse and Misconduct: A Critique, and Call of the Laity.

Controversy

RTC, Branch 52 Judge Antonio Rosales on May 14, 2008, issued the warrant of arrest, granted the P10,000 bail motion, and Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz posted bail. Libel cases were filed against him after he accused the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. of using female staff to act like "guest relations officers " during the 2004 birthday celebration of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo. His arraignment is set on June 17.

Retirement

On September 8, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI accepted the retirement of Archbishop Cruz. He was replaced by Bishop Socrates B. Villegas of the Diocese of Balanga who also succeeded his post as CBCP President.