Ex-DFA chief Yasay, 73

MANILA, Philippines — Former secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Perfecto Yasay Jr. died yesterday due to pneumonia. He was 73.

Yasay’s wife, Cecile Joaquin Yasay, and the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) announced his demise on Facebook.

Yasay succumbed to pneumonia and not coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to his wife.

“My husband, my partner, my best friend – left us today at 7:26 a.m. due to pneumonia caused by the recurrence of his cancer, not COVID,” she said.?“Jun Yasay, you are loved. We will miss you lots,” she said.

At the time his death, Yasay was chairman of the Philippine Christian University (PCU) Board of Trustees. PCU is an affiliate of UCCP.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. also mourned the death of Yasay.

“More important it makes him finally impervious to pain. He recommended me for my UN job. He hurt no one and helped everyone he could. He did what many fighting tyranny had to: shield themselves with US law,” Locsin wrote in his personal Twitter account.

In a statement, the DFA expressed grief over the death of Yasay, whom the department described as “an esteemed and dedicated public servant.”

The cremation of his remains was scheduled yesterday, the agency said.

“The DFA pays tribute to a sincere mentor and offers prayers of comfort to the bereaved family,” the DFA said.

US Ambassador Sung Kim also condoled with the family and friends of Yasay.

“Deepest condolences to the family and friends of former secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this difficult time. I will forever be grateful for how Secretary Jun warmly welcomed me to the Philippines,” Kim said in a post on Twitter.

President Duterte extended his sympathies to the family of Yasay yesterday.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and loved ones of former Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr.,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said in a statement.

Duterte has been known to be close to Yasay, with the Chief Executive often mimicking his accent during his public speeches.

Yasay served as the first secretary of DFA under the administration of President Duterte, from June 2016 until March 2017.

He was forced to step down after the Commission on Appointments rejected his appointment over questions surrounding his citizenship.

Yasay also served as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission from 1995 to 2000.  Christina Mendez