Ex-SC justice Cruz, 88

MANILA, Philippines - Retired Supreme Court Justice Isagani Cruz passed away yesterday due to a lingering illness, the high court announced yesterday.

Cruz died peacefully in his sleep, according to the SC public information office. He was 88.

His body was cremated and his ashes placed in an urn at the chapel behind the Our Lady of Beautiful Love Parish Church in Merville, Parañaque where his family and friends will keep vigil until Saturday evening.

He is survived by his wife Salvacion, children Cesar, Claro, Celso, Carlo, Isagani and Cynthia; and grandchildren.

Cruz, a respected constitutionalist, was appointed by the late former President Corazon Aquino on April 16, 1986. He retired on Oct. 11, 1994.