RJ Nieto, founder of blog “Thinking Pinoy” response to Senator Risa Hontiveros went viral on the internet because of his brilliant reply to the lady senator.
During the senate inquiry on fake news, Senator Risa Hontiveros called out Thinking Pinoy for his ‘wacky’ photo together with another fellow blogger taken at the front of Senator Leila De Lima’s office.
This was the photo that Senator Risa Hontiveros was talking about:
Hontiveros also explained how fake news can lead to threats.
“I would have wanted to raise, Madame Chair, the point that fake news also can lead to threats.”
The lady senator also added that what Nieto did in front of Senator De Lima’s office was disrespectful as the blogger was one of the resource person at the investigation on fake news.
“What bloggers like Mr. Nieto did is a demonstration that they want the stature of mainstream media without silimar limitations. I’m very disturbed that a resource person invited by the senate, has disrespected a member of the senate and right at her place of work.”
Senator Grace Poe responded and she agreed that it was hurtful for anyone if that was done to their officer, but she explained that Nieto did not violate any laws for what they did in front of Senator De Lima’s office.
Poe also asked Nieto to respond on Senator Hontiveros’ statement.
Nieto, who works as the head of the Strategic Communications Unit under the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs, started his response with political neutrality which according to him was already discussed earlier. He said that political neutrality is serving fairly regardless of political affiliations.
The blogger also clarified that he is just a consultant for DFA and he is not being disallowed to express his political opinions on social media.
He also said that he can help Senator Risa Hontiveros even if he doesn’t like her as part of his current role on Department of Foreign Affairs.
“I respect you as a senator, Ma’am, but I have my own opinions in life.”
He also added that even if he is working for the government, it doesn’t mean that he needed to restrict himself or be restricted by anyone from expressing his own opinion.
“Being in the government, does not stop anyone, including me, from expressing my own opinion.”
He also explained that as a consultant for DFA, he does not have an employer-employee relationship with the senate that of a client-professional. So it does not include him in government service and he is not a public official who can be restricted in expressing his own political opinions on social media.
“So, when I broadcast stuff on my Facebook Page, that is Rey Joseph Nieto speaking as the regular citizen. But when I give advice to the OWWA, then that’s when my job kicks in.”
Despite of working for government, Nieto reiterated that there should no questions whether he should be nicer to people.
“So, as to the question whether I should be nicer to people on my personal blog, I don’t think so.”
Nieto also explained that when he says things about people or politicians, that doesn’t mean they have to listen to it because it’s just his own opinio. But if his opinion gets traction, then that means a lot of people agree with his thoughts.
“So, instead of blaming me for what I did, maybe people should start to listen.”
Nieto pointed out that politicians must start listening because people already saying the same thing that he said.
“A lot of people say the same thing that I say, then maybe, you know, it’s time to stop complaining and start listening.”
Several hours after the face off between Thinking Pinoy and Sen. Hontiveros, Senator Trillanes also demanded an apology from RJ Nieto for posting wacky photos in front of Senator De Lima’s office.
But Nieto refused and he said:
“No masaya kaming naka detain siya and I’m entitled in my own opinion”
Despite of the pressure gave to him by the senators from Liberal Party, Rj Nieto did not deleted the photo of him in front of Senator De Lima’s office.
It seems that Nieto was not intimidated by the senators despite of expressing his nervousness during the hearing.
Meanwhile, the people who works for Senator De Lima’s office demanded “immediate apology” from RJ Nieto for allegedly mocking the detained lawmaker.
You can watch the whole video here:
