PBBM Appoints Thinking Pinoy Blogger RJ Nieto as Assistant Secretary
REY JOSEPH “RJ” NIETO – The blogger and columnist behind Thinking Pinoy, has been appointed Assistant Secretary of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
According to an appointment document dated September 1, Nieto will serve in the office headed by Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos. He is expected to help monitor government programs and check whether public services are properly reaching the people.
Nieto became known as a political commentator after launching Thinking Pinoy in 2015. He gained attention for his strong support of former President Rodrigo Duterte and later supported the Marcos-Duterte tandem during the 2022 presidential campaign. He also worked in traditional media as an opinion columnist for the Manila Bulletin.
His public activities have also been linked to controversies. In 2017, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV filed a libel complaint against him over a social media post.
Nieto shared his appointment document on Facebook and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in government. He also acknowledged that the country is facing difficult challenges.
Before starting his new position, Nieto said he still needed to take his oath of office and complete several formal requirements. He said he expects to begin his duties soon.
Nieto also explained that his new role will involve monitoring the implementation of government programs and checking whether services are actually reaching communities. He said his academic background in mathematics at the University of Bristol could help him perform these responsibilities.
According to Nieto, his studies trained him to examine evidence, understand systems, and deal with complex problems. He hopes to use these skills in his new government role.
His appointment marks a move from political commentary and media work into a formal government position. As assistant secretary, Nieto will now work within the Office of the Cabinet Secretary and take part in efforts to monitor government programs and service delivery.
