Actress and former mayor Maita Sanchez passes away at 55
Former Pagsanjan, Laguna mayor Girlie "Maita Sanchez" Javier Ejercito has passed away at 55, her husband former Laguna governor ER Ejercito announced.
In a post on Facebook, Ejercito said that Sanchez died on Nov. 3 due to endometrial cancer.
"Mayor Maita was an outstanding multi-awarded local chief executive (2010 - 2019) who brought life, joy and integrity into the significant programs and projects of Pagsanjan, which is now recognized as the tourist capital of Laguna," he wrote.
Sanchez is survived by the former governor and their six children Eric, Jet, Jerico, Jhulia, Diego, and Gabriela.
Her wake and a daily 7 p.m. mass will be held until Nov. 9 at the Don Porong Ejercito 1912 ancestral mansion in Pagsanjan, Laguna.
"Our family is requesting prayers and mass offerings for the repose of her souls," Ejercito said.
Sanchez served as mayor of Pagsanjan from 2010 to 2019 and vice mayor from 2019 to 2022. She eyed the mayoral seat anew in the 2022 elections but failed to earn the spot.
Apart from her political career, she starred in several films including Sa Dulo ng Baril, Katabi Ko'y Mamaw, Epifanio Ang Bilas Ko: NB-Eye, Bayad puri, and Batas ng Lansangan.
According to her IMDb page, Sanchez last appeared in Shake, Rattle & Roll Extreme in 2023 as a character named "Rage."
Ejercito, nephew of former president Joseph Estrada, also served as mayor of Pagsanjan from 2001 to 2010 before he became governor from 2010 to 2014.