Domingo agrees to stay on until APEC summit

MANILA, Philippines - Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo has agreed to stay on in the Cabinet, at least until after the country’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit in November.

“The President told me that some of in the Cabinet think that I should stay on until APEC and I told him we can adjust (the) date,” Domingo told The STAR in a text message yesterday.

Domingo’s resignation was reported to be effective in October.

“I will meet with the President soon to discuss the exact date,” Domingo said.

Domingo also debunked speculations on the reasons behind his resignation with less than a year left of the Aquino administration.

Rumors about his sudden departure from the Aquino Cabinet included his supposed policy differences with Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. Others claimed Domingo resigned in order to join the presidential campaign of former interior secretary Mar Roxas ll.

“All rumors not true,” Domingo, who served as DTI secretary since the President assumed office in 2010, said.

The President had expressed hope Domingo would stay in his post until after the APEC summit.

Speaking to reporters in Iloilo City, where he attended the ceremonial launch of the Iloilo Business Park and inauguration of Richmonde Hotel and the Iloilo Convention Center, Aquino yesterday said Domingo had long been asking if he could go back to the private sector.

“He submitted his resignation but the date of effectivity was not yet certain. Maybe APEC has to be finished first, maybe until the end of the year,” he said.

“We have not yet agreed on the date. But I expect him not to leave us at this time of great need for his service,” he added.

The President said he also requested Domingo to recommend his replacement.

“We would like to thank Secretary Domingo for all of the work that he has done on behalf of the country,” Aquino said, noting that foreign direct investment grew by 600 percent under his watch.

The President also credited Domingo for the APEC hosting, among other accomplishments.

“It is a great sacrifice to enter public service and I have announced early on that there are those running and there are those who want to go back to the private sector because they are already tired,” Aquino said.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. confirmed Domingo’s resignation on Saturday through Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.

Domingo is said to be feeling burned out.

Meanwhile, the business community lamented his resignation.

In a statement, the Makati Business Club (MBC) said Domingo has been a partner of the private sector in various efforts to make the country a more attractive investment option.

The group said Domingo has “tirelessly led trade and investment missions to other countries and welcomed business missions from abroad.”

“It is unfortunate that Secretary Domingo will resign at this critical juncture when the country is about to host the APEC Leaders’ Meeting and as the current administration serves its final year as our country’s steward of good governance and inclusive growth,” the MBC said.

“We will respect the Secretary’s reasons for stepping down, as well as the Palace’s final decision, with the hope that a person of integrity and competence be appointed to the Department of Trade and Industry urgently,” the business group added. – With Aurea Calica, Richmond Mercurio