Perfecto “Jun” Yasay Jr., former secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) passed away on Friday, June 12.
Yasay’s death was confirmed by his wife Cecile.
“My husband, my partner, my best friend — left us today at 7:26 a.m. Jun Yasay, you are loved. We will miss you lots,” she said in a Facebook post.
According to Cecile, her husband succumbed to “pneumonia caused by the recurrence of his cancer” and not due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Yasay was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as DFA secretary in May 2016.
He vacated his post in March 2017, after the Commission on Appointments (CA) rejected his ad interim appointment over citizenship issues.
Yasay is an Ilonggo. He earned his degree in political science from Central Philippine University (CPU) in Iloilo City.
Former city councilor Joshua Alim expressed his “sadness” over Yasay’s passing.
“Saying goodbye to a good friend. Thanks for the gift of friendship, Sir Jun Yasay. A Centralian. A Leader. Rest in Peace,” hr said.
Fashion designer PJ Aranador described Yasay as “bubbly” and “sunny.”
“I personally will miss his messages in my Facebook messenger, fondy calling me Toto (longgo word of endearment) even if some of our political views differ. But we stand united as Christians. Thank you for serving many,” he said.
Robert Galendez of St. Robert’s International Academy said Yasay “touched the hearts of every Robertine in the Philippines and in Thailand.”
“We have lost a Champion but we are happy with the thought that Our Father in heaven have finally called you for your well deserved prize. Rest now, sir,” he said.IMT
