Former Philippine foreign secretary Yasay dies at 73

MANILA - Former Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay died on Friday at the age of 73.

"My husband, my partner, my best friend - left us today at 7:26 am," Yasay's wife, Cecile, wrote on her Facebook page on Friday morning. She added that her husband died of pneumonia "caused by the recurrence of his cancer, not COVID" which refers to COVID-19.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque offered his condolences to the Yasay family.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of of former Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, who died today, June 12," Roque said in a statement.

Yasay, a college friend of President Rodrigo Duterte, served as foreign secretary from 2016 to 2017. He was Duterte's first foreign secretary.

Yasay was forced to step down in March 2017 after the Commission on Appointments rejected his appointment as top diplomat due to his US citizenship issue.

Prior to his appointment at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Yasay served as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission from 1995 to 2000.