Dominguez wants out of government

DAVAO CITY — Presidential Adviser for Regional Development Paul Dominguez has reiterated his request to President Arroyo that he be allowed to quit government service and return to the private sector.

"I’ve been telling the President that for several months already. But it doesn’t mean that I am totally leaving the administration. I will continue to be a strong supporter of the President. It is just that I want to go back to the private sector," he told The STAR.

Dominguez said he just wants to be the country’s special envoy to the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Dominguez was among those who spearheaded the BIMP-EAGA’s creation in 1994 when he was the presidential assistant for Mindanao during the administration of former President Fidel Ramos.

He said his desire to return to the private sector does not involve politics nor bad blood with anyone in the Arroyo government. — Edith Regalado