Marcos Jr. Taps Former Duterte Supporter RJ Nieto for Cabinet Post, Palace Says Politics Wasn't a Factor

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Palace explained on Wednesday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prioritized public service over political affiliation when appointing Rey Joseph “RJ” Nieto, a former supporter of the Dutertes, to a Cabinet position. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated during a press briefing that Marcos looked beyond Nieto’s past affiliation with the Dutertes in assigning him a role directly under the Office of the President. "Even before, we have said that the president does not look at political colors," Castro added. Nieto, a former pro-Duterte vlogger behind the deactivated Thinking Pinoy blog, was appointed assistant secretary at the Office of the Cabinet Secretary earlier on Wednesday. Castro said that the government can appoint anyone to serve as long as they are willing to serve the public, not the people they previously supported. "If you are seen as an asset to the government to improve the service of an agency, the president will not hesitate to bring you on board," Castro said. "Provided that your heart, regardless of your political colors, is for the people and the country, not for one individual you previously supported." While Nieto’s specific tasks have not yet been disclosed, Castro noted that he will most likely be involved in delivering services to Filipinos in far-flung areas. "We definitely know what the job of the CabSec is. That is to reach our fellow countrymen from the most remote areas in the Philippines." The appointment is seen as a move by the Marcos administration to tap capable individuals beyond past political rivalries. The inclusion of a vlogger like Nieto could also represent a new approach to communicating government messages to the public.