Atty. Perfecto Yasay, Jr. is an outstanding alumnus of Central Philippines University in Iloilo City , where he obtained his Liberal Arts degree. He earned his Bachelor of Laws at the University of the Philippines, Diliman.
An outstanding lawyer, Atty. Yasay became a member of the Bar of the United States Supreme Court and the US Circuit Court of Appeals. He has diverse experience in the field of legal and judicial systems and has litigated numerous corporate, civil and criminal and immigration cases under the Philippine and American legal and judicial systems and in various quasi-judicial and administrative bodies.He became known as Kidlat as his presence strikes those who get to know his intelligence and competence.
Atty. Yasay served as the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission from 1995 to 2000 after being an Associate Commissioner from 1993 to 1995. He has also been a Senior Partner to two law offices, Managing Director at Philippine News, New York Bureau from 1983 to 1987 and Manager at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s Legal Department from 1973 to 1979.
He became a face of COURAGE in 2000 when he stood his ground against then President Erap Estrada that eventually led to the historical impeachment of an incumbent President of the Philippines. For his commitment to truth and justice, he was given the the EDSA People Power Freedom Award for Undaunted Courage in proclaiming the truth as a key witness in the Estrada impeachment trial.
He was named by Business Week in its July 3, 2000 issue as one of the Stars of Asia, together with 49 other Asian leaders, for being at the forefront of change and striving for a firmer national foundation by mending a social fabric torn by crisis.
His first book entitled, “Out of the Lions’ Den,” is about his travails and triumphs as a public servant. His second book, “TERMINAL FOUR Corruption in America’s Only Colony in Asia ” was launched in January 2010.