MANILA — Blogger and former Duterte supporter Rey Joseph “RJ” Nieto, better known on social media as “Thinking Pinoy,” has been appointed assistant secretary at the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, Malacañang confirmed Wednesday.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto signed Nieto’s appointment paper on Sept. 1, according to Malacañang.

The Office of the Cabinet Secretary is headed by Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr.

Nieto said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve in government, while acknowledging the challenges that come with the appointment.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve the Filipino people, but I am also aware that this is a difficult time for the country,” he said.

Nieto became a prominent political commentator in 2015 through his Thinking Pinoy blog, which gained a large social media following through his political commentary and posts on current events.

He previously worked as a part-time instructor at Bulacan State University and as a columnist for the Manila Bulletin.

Nieto earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with first-class honors from the University of Bristol in June 2026 and is pursuing a master’s degree through flexible distance learning at University College London.

In 2021, Nieto was acquitted in a cyberlibel case filed by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

In 2023, however, the Makati Regional Trial Court found him guilty of violating the Data Privacy Act of 2012 in connection with the disclosure of personal information of Jover Laurio, who operated the Pinoy Ako Blog.

The Office of the Cabinet Secretary currently has undersecretary and assistant secretary positions.