Former justice minister Puno, 95, passes away

July 25, 2018

Ricardo Puno Sr., a justice minister during the Marcos administration, and a former Court of Appeals associate justice, passed away at the age of 95.

Former Antipolo Rep. Roberto Puno announced his father's passing in a Facebook post: “Today, my dad, Justice Ricardo Puno Sr., joined his Creator,” he said.

The wake began Tuesday night at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City. A necrological service will be offered at the Department of Justice Friday at 9 a.m.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra expressed grief over the passing of Puno, whom he deescribed as "one of the illustrious department secretaries.

Puno spent 22 years in public service, according to his profile at Puno & Puno Law Offices, serving as justice minister from from July 23, 1979 to June 30, 1984.

He was a district judge from 1965 to 1973, and then a Court of Appeals justice until 1978 before becoming an assemblyman from 1978 to 1984.

Puno was admitted to the bar in 1949 after finishing law, magna cum laude, at Manuel L. Quezon University in 1948.  DMS