UPDATE: Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto “Jun” Yasay Jr. passed away on June 12, 2020, at the age of 73.
Perfecto “Jun” Yasay Jr. was for a time considered the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines until it was discovered that he had actually held U.S. citizenship, which he belatedly gave up.
He is a former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and was Bangon Pilipinas Party’s vice-presidential bet in the 2010 Philippine elections, running alongside Eddie Villanueva. He accepted the offer of President Rodrigo Duterte to join his Cabinet on May 18, 2016.
Hometown: Kidapawan, Cotabato
Birthday: January 27, 1947
Spouse: Cecile Joaquin-Yasay
A lawyer who had specialized in Corporate Law and Securities Regulation, Secretary Yasay obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines, his Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science from Central Philippines University in Iloilo City, and his secondary education from Davao City National High School.
Secretary Yasay has diverse experience in the field of legal and judicial systems and has litigated numerous corporate, civil and criminal and immigration cases under the Philippine and American legal and judicial systems and in various quasi-judicial and administrative bodies. He has been referred to as Kidlat (“Lightning”) because his presence strikes those who get to know his intelligence and competence.
Secretary Yasay served as the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission from 1995 to 2000 after being an Associate Commissioner from 1993 to 1995. He has also been a senior partner in two law offices, Managing Director at Philippine News, New York Bureau, from 1983 to 1987, and Manager at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s Legal Department from 1973 to 1979.
He became a face of courage in 2000 when he stood his ground against then President Erap Estrada that eventually led to the historical impeachment of an incumbent President of the Philippines. For his commitment to truth and justice, he was given the the EDSA People Power Freedom Award for Undaunted Courage in proclaiming the truth as a key witness in the Estrada impeachment trial.
Secretary Yasay was named by Business Week in its July 3, 2000, issue as one of the Stars of Asia, together with 49 other Asian leaders, for being at the forefront of change and striving for a firmer national foundation by mending a social fabric torn by crisis.
His first book entitled, “Out of the Lions’ Den,” is about his travails and triumphs as a public servant. His second book, “TERMINAL FOUR Corruption in America’s Only Colony in Asia ” was launched in January 2010.
