By Fernan Angeles
ARCHBISHOP Oscar Cruz died of a lingering illness. He was 85.
Known for taking a critical stance on sloppy Presidents, Cruz succumbed around 6:45 a.m. today at the Cardinal Santos Hospital in San Juan City.
“Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz of Lingayen-Dagupan died today at 6:45 am at the Cardinal Santos Hospital due to a lingering illness,” announced the news service of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
ABS-CBN reported Cruz succumbed to COVID-19.
Cruz, who also had stints as newspaper columnist, took a swipe at the past four Philippine Presidents — Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III, and Rodrigo Duterte.
Aside from politicians, Cruz is known critical to the circle he belongs – the Catholic Church.
He was also the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines from 1995 to 1999. Cruz is credited for transforming the CBCP into an influential body.