MANILA, Philippines - TV host and talent manager Boy Abunda has the qualities to be a successful person in whatever field he chooses, and that includes being secretary of the Department of Tourism (DoT), said outgoing Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

"He is intelligent and sincere. He has the qualities that will make him successful in whatever position in every endeavor, in every field he chooses," Durano told reporters on Wednesday at the close of the Tourism Development Forum held at the Almacenes Reales at Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila.

"Right now, he chose to be in show business and he's very successful," added Durano.

Abunda's name cropped up the past few weeks as President-elect Benigno Aquino III and his search team identified possible appointees to the new Cabinet. Aquino has revealed he was considering Abunda for the DoT post.

Aquino said, "He is an icon in the country, and more so for his ability to communicate, to understand the audience and to be able to propound and advance a particular set of ideas.”

Abunda's best friend, Kris Aquino, youngest sister of President-elect Aquino, admitted suggesting Abunda for the Tourism Secretary post, citing Abunda's marketing capabilities and love for countrymen.

She also said Abunda has proven himself to be a trustworthy person. "I’ve dealt with Boy with so many money matters. And kung meron kang ire-rekomenda para sa gobyerno, gusto mo ‘yong taong mapagkakatiwalaan mo, na hindi mangungurakot and protective at aalagaan ang presidente,” said Kris.

The announcement of Abunda being considered as Tourism Secretary was met with intrigue as some people said he is just an entertainer and not fit for the Cabinet post. Abunda admitted being offended by such remarks.

Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza came to Abunda's defense, and said there was nothing wrong with appointing an entertainer to such a post.

Abunda was also hit for being "a mere homosexual."

Ang Ladlad, a national organization of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders, in a statement signed by chairman emeritus Danton Remoto and chairperson Bernz Benedito, called for the gay-bashing to stop.

"Debates and discourse on a person's qualifications for any job in government should be focused on the professional and not the personal. One's sexual orientation and sexual identity have nothing to do with one's qualifications for the job at hand. Those who stoop down to this level are obviously threatened by Mr. Abunda's appointment."

Abunda declined the offer to join Aquino's Cabinet, but said he is open to joining the Cabinet after his contract with ABS-CBN ends in 2011.

Former Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon, who ran for the presidential polls against Aquino, declined to give a reaction to the possible choices for the top tourism post.

Neither does he want to make suggestions. "I'm just here to support," Gordon told reporters Wednesday morning at Maestranza in Intramuros.

Aside from Abunda, singer-composer and teacher Jim Paredes is also reportedly being considered as tourism secretary.