QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News) – The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday, March 8, rejected the appointment of Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr., prompting one senator to say he should vacate his post immediately.
Senator Panfilo Lacson, chair of the CA’s committee on foreign affairs, moved to reject Yasay’s appointment after all 15 members of the powerful panel voted in favor of such.
Lacson said all members of the panel voted that way because Yasay had not told the truth before the CA, and was a US citizen.
During his first confirmation hearing, Yasay denied acquiring American citizenship and a US passport.
But upon the resumption of the hearing on Wednesday, he admitted that on November 26, 1986, he was granted a US citizenship, which he said was voided after three months because of his declaration that he still would like to return to the Philippines.
“He’s (Yasay) been rejected, he was just rejected, he will have to vacate,” Lacson said.
He said the President should therefore appoint someone “even in an active capacity. “
“Meron namang succession e, there’s a senior undersecretary who can take over,” he said.
Yasay is the first appointee of President Rodrigo Duterte to be rejected by the powerful CA.