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
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
Local government (1995–2022)
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)
Elected to Congress in 2022, Cruz has:
Authored bills converting the municipality of Pateros into a city and formally creating new barangays in Taguig
Co-authored ecotourism development measures
Proposed the "Sampung Libong Pag-asa" cash assistance program
Proposed 10 Regional Trial Court branches and 5 Metropolitan Trial Court branches in Taguig due to its territorial expansion after winning its boundary dispute with Makati[2]
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."[3] Cruz was later re-elected.
Controversies
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
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.