Eva Estrada-Kalaw dies at 96

Former senator Eva Estrada-Kalaw, a staunch activist during the Marcos regime, has passed away at 96 years old.

In a post on Thursday afternoon, her granddaughter Ria wrote: “To me she is Lola Eva. She has joined our creator to meet Lolo Ted in heaven today, May 25, 2017. Please include her in your prayers. May her soul rest in peace.”

Rie said viewing for the public would start on Monday, May 29, and would last until May 31 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. at The Heritage Memorial Park.

Senate secretary Lutgardo Barbo also confirmed her passing necrological services will be held for her on June 1, Thursday.

The Philippine flag has been placed on half-mast at the Senate, where

Estrada-Kalaw served as senator from 1965 to 1972, and was the first woman to be re-elected at the upper chamber. Here, she headed the committees on games, amusements, and tourism, as well as that of national minorities.

She was also a part of the National Assembly from 1984 to 1986.

An opposition lawmaker during the presidency of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, she was one of the Liberal Party members who were hurt in the 1971 Plaza Miranda bombing.

RIP Eva Estrada-Kalaw. Formidable lady who did her part to fight for freedom. (Pic is padlocked Senate 1973) pic.twitter.com/YPKAxarjXX

— Manuel L. Quezon III (@mlq3) May 25, 2017

The lone woman in the iconic photo taken outside the padlocked Senate session hall in 1973, her contemporaries include the late senators Gerry Roxas and Jovito Salonga, and former Vice President Salvador “Doy” Laurel. She was also among opposition lawmakers arrested during Martial Law.

Kalaw, an alumna of the University of the Philippines, was also a teacher and social worker. She founded the Jayceerettes organization, where she became the first president, and the Samahang Filipina, where she sat as founding chair.

She took an active role in organizations through the years, in line with her advocacies. —NB, GMA News