The rites will be led by Standard publisher Rolando Estabillo, president of the Association of Philippine Journalists (formerly known as Samahang Plaridel). Cruz was cofounder and chair of the association. It will be held after a 7 p.m. Mass.
Colleagues from The Daily Express, The Daily Tribune, The Daily Globe, The Manila Chronicle and the Inquirer, where Cruz was editor and/or columnist are expected to speak at the rites.
A necrological Mass will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. after which his body will be cremated.