Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. could still be part of the Duterte government even after getting the ax from the Commission on Appointments.
A day after his appointment was rejected, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said President Duterte has the prerogative to appoint Yasay to another government post.
“It has not been discussed (but) that is an option if he chooses to,” Abella said in a Palace press conference.
The President has decided to let go of Yasay after the CA rejected his interim appointment after reportedly lying about his US citizenship. Yasay, former roommate of Duterte in college, became the first Cabinet member to be spurned by the CA under the present administration.
The President has designated Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Enrique Manalo as acting Secretary of the DFA until a permanent replacement is appointed.
Asked why the President merely appointed an acting DFA Secretary, Abella said: “We’re assuming that he is waiting on making his own appointment.”
On Sen. Alan Peter S. Cayetano becoming the next Foreign Affairs chief, Abella said: “I don’t have any opinions regarding the matter.”
The President had said Yasay would head the DFA until Cayetano takes his place when the one-year appointment ban for poll candidates expires. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)