Justice Castro was a scholar, student, leader, debater, poet, writer, and editor-in-chief of the Philippine Collegian, 1935–1936.

Quotations from Peers: “The Judicial, Public Administration and Uniformed services today and all younger Filipinos should derive inspiration from the exemplary life and story of Fred Ruiz Castro.” - Fidel V. Ramos, President of the Philippines 1992-1998 “With mingled emotions of joy and sorrow, we present this gavel to you, through your beloved widow with the utmost esteem and respect and with abiding affection and admiration.

“I passed the bar examination practically the same time Justice Castro assumed the post as Chief Justice…this can compare to the elation of a priest who has been ordained at the time of a great Pope…Here was a man renowned for his nationalism…A man lives forever when we remember him.” – Roberto P. Laurel, President of the Lyceum Philippines.

Castro, together with Justice Querube Makalintal, was the ‘swing vote’ in the Ratification Cases which upheld the 1973 Constitution, which paved the way of extending Marcos’ regime.

When the question of whether the petitioners are entitled to relief, the two justices answered ‘No’, thus upholding the 1973 Constitution and made legitimate the rule of Marcos and his power.

In the Philippines, this primary purpose remains, but it has been enlarged to embrace also the extirpation of the ills and conditions which spawned the riot, the anarchy and the rebellion!”