We welcome and laud the Supreme Court's recent appointment of Judge Ramon Cruz, a Bikolano, to the Court of Appeals. His appointment affords us the opportunity to have a glimpse of a life which may serve as an inspiration to fellow lawyers and fellow Bikolanos.
A native of Naga City, Justice Cruz is truly "a homegrown talent" being an alumnus of the Naga Parochial School, Ateneo de Naga High School, and the University of Nueva Caceres. His meteoric rise in the judiciary bestows honor to his hometown and the learning institutions which formed him, as well as to his family.
Judge Cruz's path leading towards his appointment as CA justice is a noteworthy tale. After more than a decade of private law practice, he decided to join government service, a surprising move according to his family. Cruz was appointed as a Naga RTC Branch 21 judge and served there from 1999 to 2002. Afterwards, he was assigned as a judge of a regional trial court in Quezon City. His dedication and hard work in the discharge of his duties were rewarded with this lofty post in the Philippine judiciary.
Yet what may prove more significant in Justice Cruz's tale is how he-the first Nagueño to be appointed as a Court of Appeals' justice-has struggled early on in the course of establishing himself as a lawyer and a family man. According to news reports about him, this young CA justice has had to strike a balance between law studies, work, and taking care of his young family. It is a feat that is rare nowadays when the drive to excel in one's chosen field often costs heavily on the family. In this, Justice Cruz serves to provide an example not only to would-be-lawyers, but to everyone who recognizes that the family is truly the foundation on which our communities are built.
To Justice Ramon Cruz, therefore, we extend our warm congratulations. Likewise, we say sincerely: may your tribe increase.