Palace confirms Trade chief Domingo leaving post

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Saturday confirmed the resignation of Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo from President Benigno Aquino III's Cabinet.

Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. sad that while Aquino is yet to respond on Domingo's resignation, the report has been verified by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr.

“Secretary Gregory Domingo has submitted his resignation to President Aquino and that this is under consideration. Secretary Ochoa is awaiting word from the president regarding this matter," Coloma said in a note, as quoted in a state news report.

The STAR reported on Saturday that Domingo has been feeling "burned out" and decided to tender his resignation as chief of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) effective next month.

When asked about this during her regular weekend morning briefing over Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Abigail Valte said she was unaware of this development.

She, however, shared concerns over the possibility of losing Domingo at this point in the administration since he plays an essential role in the country's hosting of the APEC Leaders' Summit in November.

"Malaki talaga ang papel ng DTI pagdating doon sa mga substantive (development) doon sa meetings," she said.

Domingo was among the original Cabinet members of Aquino who has been with his administration from the time he was elected on June 30, 2010.