'You're it!' Why Dominguez accepted DOF post

David Dizon, ABS-CBN News

He is known as a childhood friend of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. So, what convinced businessman Carlos "Sonny" Dominguez to accept the offer to be the next Finance Secretary?

Speaking to ANC, Dominguez explained that he did not immediately accept Duterte's offer to become the next secretary of the Department of Finance because he wanted the future president to choose someone younger and brighter.

"Right after the election, the president-elect asked me to take this portfolio and I mentioned to him that he deserves the best and the brightest in the country. I had suggested that he consider other names. People who are...younger than me, more brilliant than me," he said in his first live TV interview.

'You're it!' Why Dominguez accepted DOF post 1

Dominguez, owner of Davao's Marco Polo Hotel, said there were several names considered for the key Cabinet post, with one catching the eye of Duterte.

"He asked me to recruit that gentleman. I tried my best but the gentleman was not available for this post. So, president-elect Duterte looked at me and said: 'Well, you're it.'"

This will not be the first time that Dominguez will join a President's official family. He previously had stints in the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources during the administration of President Cory Aquino. -

Dominguez said he is looking forward to serving under the Duterte presidency, noting that it is an honor and privilege to be part of a new administration that aims "to provide the change the electorate is looking for."

"I've known him for many, many years. I know his leadership. Look at his record. He is an activist president. He means to change the Philippines," he said.

He said Duterte transformed Davao from the "killing fields" of the southern Philippines to one of the highest growth areas in the country.

"He did it by providing peace and order and very fair laws. Essentially, he created an environment where business can thrive," he added. "It's going to be a privilege to serve."