R. Padilla St. , Cebu City
It is the street formerly known as "Fatima" situated within Brgy Duljo-Fatima, Cebu City. It begins at C. Padilla Street to South Expressway or what is known today as N. Bacalso Avenue.
The street was renamed as "Rustico R. Padilla Street" and the honoree was first elected as councilor for two terms, from 1925 to 1931. These were during the terms of municipal presidents (city or town chief executive throughout the years of the American occupation) Hilario Abellana (who was elected governor immediately before World War II commenced) and Alberto Mansueto.
Rustico R. Padilla also served as liaison officer of Mayor Miguel Raffinan, who was Cebu City mayor from 1947 to 1951. Mayor Raffinan was a successful practicing lawyer, one of his clients was the Sampaguita Shoe and Slipper Factory Inc.
Rustico, before he was elected councilor of the municipality of Cebu, worked as chief clerk of the district engineer in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. Rustico worked with the Bureau of Public Works from July 14, 1919 up to July 1, 1921.
Upon his resignation, he was prosecuted by the government of the Philippine Islands for alleged unlawful receipt of leave credits. Rustico who was represented by the American Law Firm, McVean & Vickers was absolved of the charges against him by Judge Wislizenus of the Court of First Instance of Cebu.
The government appealed the decision of the Court of First Instance and when it reached the Supreme Court, its decision was affirmed and found Rustico R. Padilla not liable for allegedly being paid by mistake by the government treasury the amount of P119.00. Justice Street of the Supreme Court wrote the decision clearing Padilla of the charges on September 27, 1924.
R. Padilla should not be confused with C. Padilla, which represents "Candido Padilla," the latter is the street parallel to N. Bacalso while R. Padilla is the street that starts at the beginning of C. Padilla and ends at N. Bacalso Avenue. Another street T. Padilla (which stands for Toribio Padilla) is situated in Barangay T. Padilla.
C. Padilla Street, a national road, is longer. It is 3.4 kilometers long and has a road right of way of 15 to 20 meters while R. Padilla, a city street, is shorter and is only 600 meters long.
Rustico, discharged his duties with distinction, honor and fidelity as the position of councilor at that time was honorary because they did not receive any monetary consideration for the services they rendered to the municipality.
The street naming which was carried unanimously was made under City Ordinance No. 699 sponsored by Councilor Arturo L. Abellana on October 26, 1970. The presiding officer or today's vice mayor was Florencio S. Urot (who became mayor from September 13, 1971 to December 31,1971), while the members of the city council were Raymundo A. Crystal, Bienvenido S. Tudtud, Arturo L. Abellana, Jose V. Arias, Pablo U. Abella. Absent during the session when the ordinance was approved were Councilors Caridad A. Trocino, Jesus S. Gabuya, and Jose L. Rodriguez. The secretary to the mayor at that time was Leodegario C. Salazar. The ordinance was approved by Mayor Eulogio E. Borres on November 6, 1970.
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