Malacañang extended its condolences to Yasay’s bereaved family and friends.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 12) — Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Jr. has died, his personal aide Manny Suarez confirmed on Friday.
He was 73.
President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Yasay, his college roommate, as top diplomat at the start of his administration in June 2016.
Senator Richard Gordon also remembered the former official, calling Yasay “Mr. Nice Guy.”
“We offer our sincerest prayers to the Almighty to grant him eternal repose,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.
This is a developing story.
Yasay also held the position of Securities and Exchange Commission chairman from 1995 to 2000 before heading the Department of Foreign Affairs.
DFA Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin also paid tribute to Yasay.
“He hurt no one and helped everyone he could. He did what many fighting tyranny had to: shield themselves with US law,” Locsin said on Twitter.
“Jun was a person of principle and one who loves his country,” he said in a statement. “Jun Yasay lived a life well-lived and leaves this world well-loved.”
US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim expressed his condolences to Yasay’s family as well.
“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,” he said on Twitter.
