Marcos era opposition leader Charito Planas dies, 87

Charito Planas, a leader of the opposition during the Marcos dictatorship, passed away on Thursday morning. She was 87.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista made the announcement on the city's Facebook page.

"It is with a heavy heart that in behalf of the people of Quezon City, I announce the passing of our dear former vice mayor, Charito Planas," Bautista said.

"Vice Mayor Planas was our loving mentor, tita, leader and friend. Vice Mayor Planas only had the best interest of the city and nation in mind in all her endeavors as a city official and freedom fighter during the dark days of our nation’s history," he added.

Planas’ last public appearance was in October during Bautista’s 8th State of the City Address.

A political and human rights activist during the Marcos administration, Planas led the campaign against the ratification of the 1973 Constitution.

She was among the opposition leaders arrested after the declaration of Martial Law in 1972.

Planas was drafted in the Lakas ng Bayan slate led by former senator Ninoy Aquino in the 1978 interim Batasan elections.

She left the country after the elections to join the anti-Marcos forces in the United States.

After the historic People Power revolution in 1986, Planas returned to the country and helped in reviving the Liberal Party.

She ran for mayor during the 1988 elections, but lost to then incumbent officer-in-charge, Brigido "Jun" Simon Jr.

In the 1992 elections, she became the running mate of then congressman Ismael Mathay Jr., who won the mayoral race.

Planas served as Quezon City vice mayor from 1992 to 1995.

She served as the spokesperson of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, with the rank of Undersecretary in the Office of the President from 2010 to 2011.

A necrological service will be held on December 8 at the Carlos Albert Hall, Quezon City Hall for her honor. —Anna Felicia Bajo/NB, GMA News