Background
Oscar Cruz was born on November 17, 1934 in Balanga, Bataan, Philippines.
archbishop bishop Catholic priest
Oscar Cruz was born on November 17, 1934 in Balanga, Bataan, Philippines.
He was the Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan in Pangasinan, Philippines. He received his seminary training at the University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary, and further theology studies at the Lateran University. His sacerdotal ordination was on February 8, 1962, and his episcopal ordination was on May 3, 1976.
He was the first Filipino rector of San Carlos Seminary of the Archdiocese of Manila from 1973 to 1978.
He has been an auxiliary bishop of Manila (1976–1978) and archbishop of the Archdiocese of San Fernando (1978–1988). He served as a Judicial Vicar of the Catholic Bishops" Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) 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.
Manila RTC, Branch 52 Judge Antonio Rosales on May 14, 2008, issued the warrant of arrest, granted the P10,000 bail motion, and Archbishop Cruz posted bail.
Libel cases were filed against him after he accused the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) of using female staff to act like "guest relations officers (GROs)" during the 2004 birthday celebration of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo. His arraignment is set on June 17.
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.