Perfecto Yasay Jr., Filipino lawyer and Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines

Perfecto Rivas Yasay Jr. (January 27, 1947 – June 12, 2020) was a prominent Filipino government official and legal professional whose career spanned various significant roles, including serving as the Philippines' chief diplomat and a key regulator in the financial sector. His life and public service left a notable mark on Philippine governance.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs: Ad Interim Tenure and Appointment Controversy

One of Perfecto Yasay Jr.'s most high-profile assignments was his role as Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. He served in an ad interim capacity from June 30, 2016, until his appointment was formally rejected on March 8, 2017. The term "ad interim" denotes a temporary appointment, signifying that while he performed the full duties of the Foreign Affairs Secretary, his tenure was pending confirmation by the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA).

The Commission on Appointments is a constitutional body within the Philippine Congress responsible for vetting and approving appointments made by the President of the Philippines to various key government positions. For Mr. Yasay, the rejection by the CA stemmed from significant eligibility concerns, primarily revolving around contentious questions regarding his citizenship status.

Specifically, debates arose concerning his renunciation of United States citizenship and his subsequent reacquisition of Filipino citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225, also known as the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003. Philippine law often requires natural-born Filipino citizenship for high-ranking government posts. The central issue deliberated by the CA was whether his actions fully complied with the stringent legal requirements for holding such a sensitive position, particularly the timing and finality of his renunciation of foreign citizenship, which ultimately led to the non-confirmation of his appointment.

Key Roles in Public Service and Political Involvement

Beyond his stint as Foreign Affairs Secretary, Perfecto Yasay Jr. held other crucial positions within the Philippine government, demonstrating his diverse expertise and commitment to public service.

• Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): Prior to his role in foreign affairs, Yasay served as the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The SEC is the primary government agency in the Philippines responsible for regulating the corporate sector, the capital markets, and protecting investors. His leadership at the SEC was critical in ensuring compliance and fostering integrity within the country's financial landscape.
• Vice-Presidential Candidate in the 2010 Philippine Elections: Perfecto Yasay Jr. also ventured into national electoral politics. In the highly contested 2010 Philippine general elections, he ran as the vice-presidential candidate for the Bangon Pilipinas Party. He campaigned alongside prominent evangelist Brother Eddie Villanueva, who was the party's presidential standard-bearer. The Bangon Pilipinas Party typically advocated for anti-corruption, good governance, and moral recovery platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions about Perfecto Yasay Jr.

When did Perfecto Yasay Jr. serve as Secretary of Foreign Affairs?

He served as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs in an ad interim capacity from June 30, 2016, until March 8, 2017.

Why was Perfecto Yasay Jr.'s appointment as Foreign Affairs Secretary rejected?

His appointment was rejected by the Commission on Appointments due to eligibility concerns stemming from questions about his citizenship, specifically regarding his renunciation of U.S. citizenship and reacquisition of Filipino citizenship, which became a point of legal contention regarding his qualification for the position.

What other significant government positions did Perfecto Yasay Jr. hold?

He notably served as the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a key regulatory body for the Philippines' corporate and financial markets.

Who was Perfecto Yasay Jr.'s running mate in the 2010 Philippine elections?

He ran for Vice President alongside Brother Eddie Villanueva, the presidential candidate for the Bangon Pilipinas Party, in the 2010 general elections.