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Interview: PERFECTO YASAY
By Georgia

It all began when the BW Stocks scandal broke out and then Securities and Exchange Commissioner Perfecto Yasay became a household name when he made an expose against former President Estrada. He was interviewed by almost all the newspapers and seen at primetime television news. At one guesting in GMA-7's Debate ni Mare at Pare to explain the former President's involvement in the manipulation of the stocks, Estrada himself called the show, called him a liar on air, and said, the famous line, "Tamaan ka sana ng kidlat." The nickname "Kidlat" stuck with him and he became a star witness for the prosecution at the impeachment trial, and now, he is running for senator independently.

Senate 2001 was able to conduct an interview with Mr. Yasay (who is running with the platform YES--Youth, Economic Reforms, and System of Justice for all) through the latest wonder in communication technology--email. Read on to find our why he is running for Senate, what he likes most about being an independent candidate, and other interesting stuff about him.

Why did you find it important to raise the issues in your platform?Read his platform

(on Youth): The backbone and future of any society is the youth, especially in this country where majority of our population is from the youth sector.
(On Economic Reforms): We should continue to promote reforms to ensure economic growth while at the same time strengthening the participation of all sectors, particularly the disadvantaged sectors in this area.
(On System of Justice for all): I believe that "those who have less in life, should have more in the law" and that all of us are entitled to a swift and speedy resolution of our cases.

Why and how did you decide to run for the Senate?

The decision to run for the Senate did not come from me. The invitation to join the potential list of candidates came from the groups working to oust the former President. Since I was the first to defy the orders of Estrada, I was part of the anti-Erap movement from the beginning and it was understood that we would continue to join forces to work for meaningful change in the government. I was recruited to join Lakas-NUCD. The PPC made me believe, up to the night before the last day of filing for candidacy, that I was in the line-up. As a matter of fact, there were several rallies that I attended with then VP GMA and other potential senatorial candidates. So when the news arrived on the day of filing that I was not included, I had accepted this as a political decision that I had no place to question. My wife was quite glad and relieved. However, on that day, the phones in the house kept ringing after the news on the PPC line-up came out. My supporters very strongly urged me to run. They felt that I was giving up the fight for change if I decided not to run. I had told them all along that change was now possible and real people power could be the norm in this election. So my withdrawing meant that I did not believe I could win without the political machinery and money. If my supporters believed that we are ready for change, who am I to question that? After all, I was the one who convinced them that we will never know if we do not try.

What advantages do you have with your previous political experience?

My previous experience in running for office was confined to campus politics and as officer in organizations, such as the YMCA, etc. As for public office, my first experience in government was at the Securities and Exchange Commission were I served as Commissioner and later, as Chairman. The advantage of being in the executive branch of government prior to the legislative is that I can appreciate the problems facing the implementors of our programs. This will help me much in budget deliberations as well as proposing legislation to improve implementation of our programs.

What are some pros and cons about being an independent candidate?

Pros: There is no excess baggage in terms of issues that I will support and positions that I am taking. I am able to organize campaign in a non-traditional way. No rallies with performers where I will be expected to sing and dance.
Most of my campaign activities are centered around church and youth organized activities, where I am expected to share my thinking on relevant issues.
As an independent, many local candidates are able to support me. They choose me because they believe in what I stand for, not because it is the requirement of the party to include me.
Cost is minimized. I am able to spend only what I can afford. I do not have to contribute to pooled funds. I do not have to spend as much, if not more, than the other candidates on campaign paraphernalia since they are always compared to each other.
I have more control over where funds come from. I am able to establish my policy on funding sources and able to implement it. I do not have to accept any contribution from donors who may have hidden agenda.
Cons: I have to organize rallies alone. Crowd is smaller. (But it has turned out that quality is better - more die-hards -, and multiplier effect is greater.)
I have no poll watchers, canvassers to ensure that votes are counted. (With its endorsement,Bayan Muna, which is now a political party entitled to its own poll watchers, has ensured that their watchers will also be guarding the Yasay votes.)

Why is your nickname Kidlat?

In the GMA 7 Program "Debate", then President Estrada called me a liar and said "Tamaan ka sana ng kidlat". "Kidlat" is what hit Saul of Tarsus on his way to Damascus, and this experience later turned him into Saint Paul.

The KIDLAT Youth Movement was set up by my family during the time of the Oust Erap Movement. It stands for "Kilusang Itataguyod and Diwa Laban sa mga Abuso sa Tungkulin." Win or lose, we will continue with the KIDLAT Youth Movement. More government officials should be hit by the "kidlat" of truth and justice so that like Saul, they can be transformed.

Why should we vote for you?

I am a lawyer with the opportunity to practice law in the United States and the Philippines.
I am well-versed in drafting bills and legislation. I have a good understanding of our judicial system.
My previous experience as official of a government agency provided me with valuable insights on how the legislators can best perform their function to check and balance the executive branch of government.
My record at the SEC demonstrates my non-negotiable stance on graft and corruption, even if it meant going against the most powerful man in the country and risking our lives and losing my job.
I am a God-fearing individual who loves his family dearly (esp. my 5 year old daughter) and with a strong sense of patriotism. I believe in living my faith and serving as an example of righteousness and fortitude for the youth of our land.

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