Marcos Prioritizes Competence Over Politics in Appointments, Palace Says

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. does not consider political affiliations when appointing officials as long as they can help improve government services. The Palace made the statement amid questions over the president's decision to bring former Diehard Duterte Supporter (DDS) blogger Rey Joseph “RJ” Nieto into Malacañang. Palace press officer Claire Castro said that Nieto's appointment reflects the president's stance on selecting individuals who can help improve government services. "The President does not look at the political colors of an appointee. What he looks at is the capacity of the appointee to serve the Filipino people," Castro said. "He selects people based on the principle of the right person for the right job," she added. Nieto, who uses the online moniker "Think Tank Digital Communications," was known for his strong support of former president Rodrigo Duterte.