Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Jr. has denied allegations that he is a US citizen.
“Yasay’s denial was in reaction to stories being spread in social media alleging that he has dual citizenship,” reports Sherrie Ann Torres on ABS-CBN News Online.
The report noted: “Yasay was born in Kidapawan, Cotabato. He passed the Philippine Bar exam in 1972. Then, in 1979, he went to the US and took the New York State Bar exam in February 1979. He served as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission from July 1995 to March 25, 2000.”
Yasay, of course, New York State Bar exam. He explained though that while he practiced his law profession in the U.S. for a while, he remains a Filipino citizen. However, he said that his children are all US citizens.
In light of this information, Yasay “downplayed the perceptions of some lawmakers that his anti-American stance violates his position as foreign affairs secretary.” He pointed out that his statements only “reflect President Rodrigo Duterte’s position.”
Yasay was quoted as saying, “I don’t understand the perception that I am anti-US. I love the US. In fact, my children are living there.”
He also added that he is “not affected by the Commission on Appointments’ (CA) bypassing of his nomination” and “expressed his confidence that he will be confirmed by the CA in its next hearing.”
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