If he wins, Duterte to appoint Dureza, Dominguez in his Cabinet

Front-running presidential candidate Mayor Rodrigo Duterte smiles during a news conference shortly after voting in a polling precinct at Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, Matina district, his hometown in Davao city, southern Philippines Monday, May 9, 2016. Duterte was the last to vote among five presidential hopefuls. AP

DAVAO CITY—Presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night revealed the names of some people who would make up his Cabinet if he makes it to Malacañang.

Duterte has a strong lead in an unofficial count of votes for the presidential elections as of late Monday night.

In an ambush interview at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Duterte said he would appoint Jesus Dureza as the presidential peace adviser.

Dureza, a former classmate of Duterte, previously served as the presidential peace adviser of former presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Fidel Valdez Ramos.

As to his finance secretary, Duterte said he would appoint Carlos Dominguez.

Dominguez is the finance head in Duterte’s campaign and is the owner of the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City.

He is a former classmate and childhood friend of Duterte. He is also a former Cabinet secretary of Corazon Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos. He was also former president of Philippine Airlines and Manila Hotel.

Duterte said he might also appoint Dominguez as head of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

“Ang pinaka-corrupt (na government agency) ang problema ko. Pinaka-corrupt ang DOTC,” he said.

Asked about his other Cabinet members, Duterte said  he would appoint military men.

“Do not be surprised if others are military people,” he said.

“I want military men. Most of them will occupy lower echelons,” he added.

Asked  what would be the role of his campaign manager  Leoncio Evasco in his administration, Duterte said “he will stay beside me.”

Evasco, a former rebel priest, is a long-time chief of staff and close friend of Duterte. The two first met in Davao City when Evasco, who was at that time a New People’s Army rebel, was arrested and detained.

The name of Butch Ramirez was also asked but Duterte was unclear of his role in his administration.

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