[1] Manuel Cruz Herrera (c. 1924–1998) was a lawyer, an instructor in the University of the Philippines and Manuel Luis Quezon University, and a deputy tanod bayan (Ombudsman at present) during the Marcos regime and later, head of the prosecution panel in the Benigno Aquino Jr. murder case that led to the EDSA Revolution of 1986.
Herrera was known for his generosity towards his fellow kababayans, his bravery, kindness, nationalism, and integrity, especially as a justice of the Court of Appeals.
Despite their courageous efforts in presenting new evidences and eyewitnesses, he felt that there was really a conspiracy to assassinate not only former senator Ninoy Aquino but also the fall guy Rolando Galman.
On January 10, 1985, he and his prosecution team together by presiding Justice Manuel Pamaram were called by President Marcos to a meeting in Malacañan Palace, insinuating that Galman was really the communist who shot Aquino and defended the accused.
Herrera tried to voice out his opinion by telling that Galman was a fall guy and there was an ongoing conspiracy but Pamaran told him not to contradict Marcos because he was sick at that time and the President might collapse.