Blogger RJ Nieto Appointed Assistant Secretary in Cabinet Office

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has appointed blogger and political commentator Rey Joseph “RJ” P. Nieto, known online as “Thinking Pinoy,” as assistant secretary at the Office of the Cabinet Secretary (OCS), Malacañang said on Wednesday. The appointment, dated Sept. 1, was confirmed on Wednesday by the OCS headed by Cabinet Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” D. Abalos, Jr. Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said Mr. Marcos does not weigh political affiliations in choosing officials, amid questions over Mr. Nieto’s background as a previously staunch supporter of then-President Rodrigo R. Duterte who later shifted allegiance to the Marcos-Duterte tandem. “Even before, we’ve said that the President does not look at [political] color,” Ms. Castro told reporters. “If you are seen as someone who can be an asset to government, to make an agency’s service better, the President will not hesitate to bring you in… the focus should be the country and the people,” she said. Asked about Mr. Nieto’s specific role, Ms. Castro noted the OCS’s general mandate of ensuring government programs are properly implemented and reach citizens in the country’s farthest communities. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking