Number of ways first, only, available, important

karoliukas

eight of the twelve PMs are eligible for bonus, but only 3 bonuses are available. Order of the bonus is important. Number of ways bonuses can be awarded is? Answer is 8P3. My doubt is why wouldn't you choose PMs first from the group of 12 then award the bonus. Shouldn't the answer be 12C8*8P3?