Marcos appoints ‘Thinking Pinoy’ RJ Nieto as assistant secretary

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 17, 2026

Photo courtesy: K5 News FM Cagayan De Oro 89.3

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed political blogger Rey Joseph “RJ” Nieto, known online as “Thinking Pinoy,” as assistant secretary in the Office of the Cabinet Secretary under the Office of the President.

Malacañang confirmed the appointment on Wednesday, September 16. Nieto’s appointment document is dated September 1, 2026.

Nieto said he had yet to take his oath of office and that several formalities still had to be completed before he could begin performing his duties. He said he expected to start work soon.

In announcing the appointment on social media, Nieto described himself as “grateful and a little scared,” acknowledging the challenges facing the country as he prepares to enter government service.

The Office of the Cabinet Secretary is headed by Cabinet Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., whom Marcos appointed to the post in July. The office is tasked with helping coordinate Cabinet work, facilitating discussions on government policies and programs, and strengthening coordination among executive departments.

Nieto said the office’s work includes monitoring government programs and whether public services are reaching their intended beneficiaries. He also cited his studies in mathematics at the University of Bristol as training he hopes to apply in examining evidence, systems and complex problems in government.

Nieto became widely known through his Thinking Pinoy blog, which began gaining prominence in 2015 and later developed a large following on social media through political commentary and discussions of current events and government policies.

His appointment places the longtime online political commentator inside the Office of the President, subject to completion of the required formalities before he assumes his duties.