Several lawmakers and autism advocacy groups have condemned the ridicule directed at Kris Aquino’s eldest son, Josh, by hosts of the comedy podcast Machong Chismisan.
Local organizations Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP), Boundless Possibilities Foundation Inc., and National Council on Disability Affairs issued separate statements denouncing the podcast’s controversial episode in which Josh, who is on the autism spectrum, was mocked by its hosts.
In a statement published on its official website, ASP criticized content creators who disguise insults against persons with disabilities (PWDs) as comedy for online engagement.
“Making fun of persons with disabilities for views, laughs, or viral engagement is not automatically protected by the excuse of comedy. A person’s disability is not a punchline, and humiliation is not entertainment,” the organization stated.
ASP also cited the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, or Republic Act No. 7277, and Republic Act No. 9442, which prohibits the public ridicule and vilification of persons with disabilities and provides penalties for violations.
The organization emphasized the responsibility of content creators to consider the impact of their content, particularly in digital spaces where harmful remarks can quickly reach a wider audience.
“The Autism Society Philippines opines that the digital world is not beyond the reach of accountability. Free expression comes with responsibility. Build an audience through creativity, insight, and wit—not by stripping others of their dignity,” the group stressed.
Meanwhile, Boundless Possibilities Foundation Inc. likewise condemned the remarks, stressing that autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions should never be used as material for mockery.
“There is absolutely no justification for humiliating an individual because of characteristics or behaviors associated with autism. No person’s disability, neurodevelopmental condition, or perceived differences should ever become material for public ridicule, entertainment, or the amusement of an audience,” the organization stated.
The organization expressed particular concern over public figures and content creators who use their platforms to make fun of individuals whose personal circumstances have already attracted public attention.
“A microphone does not confer the right to demean another human being. An audience does not excuse cruelty. And entertainment is never a license to strip another person of dignity,” it added.
Boundless Possibilities Foundation Inc. called on the podcast’s hosts and creators to issue a public apology to Josh, his family, and the autistic community, acknowledge the harm caused by their remarks, and take responsibility through appropriate corrective action.
“Joshua Aquino deserves the same dignity, privacy, and compassion that every person deserves. His autism must never be used as a basis for ridicule or as a measure of his worth,” it concluded.
The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) also reiterated that disability should never be a subject of humor.
“DISABILITY IS NOT A PUNCHLINE. Humor should never come at the expense of another person’s dignity. Mocking persons with disabilities reinforces stigma and discrimination. It should never be treated as harmless entertainment,” the agency said in a post on its official Facebook page.
Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. and Assistant Minority Leader Sarah Elago also condemned the mockery of Josh’s disability, describing it as discriminatory and unacceptable.
“Ang ganitong uri ng content ay nagpapalaganap ng stigma at nagtutulak sa mga PWDs sa mas matinding diskriminasyon sa trabaho, sa paaralan, sa komunidad, at maski online. Kaya naman, ang paggawa ng content ay may kaakibat na pananagutan at dapat kilalanin ng mga sangkot ang pinsala ng kanilang mga pahayag,” she said.
House Committee on Women and Gender Equality Chairperson Ann Matibag likewise expressed support for Josh and his family, condemning the offensive remarks made by the podcast hosts.
“As a mother, I am deeply angered by the public ridicule directed at Josh Aquino, a person with disability. As a children’s rights advocate and a woman leader, I find it appalling that grown men would turn someone’s disability into entertainment. There is nothing funny, brave, or masculine about mocking someone who may not be in a position to defend himself. That is not humor. That is cruelty,” Matibag said in a statement.
“I stand with Josh Aquino, his mother Kris, and every family fighting for the dignity and protection of their loved ones. This is not simply about one podcast or one offensive remark,” she added.
Akbayan party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña also took to X to denounce the incident, saying, “Nakakagalit na hanggang ngayon, ginagawa pa ring sukatan ng halaga ng isang tao ang kanilang kapansanan.”
“Hindi tamang tawaging ‘walang silbi’ si Josh o kahit sinumang PWD. Bukod sa labag ito sa batas, malinaw itong paglabag sa dignidad at respeto na deserve nating lahat. Hindi nakakamacho ang diskriminasyon, NAKAKADIRI,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list Rep. Leila de Lima questioned the podcast hosts’ remarks, asking, “Ikinamacho ba nila ang pangungutya sa may kapansanan? Sa palagay nila, ganung usapan ang may kwenta?”
“These kinds of jokes are disrespectful, insensitive, and completely unacceptable. Hindi joke ang pagkakaroon ng kapansanan. At lalong hindi katawa-tawa ang hirap, sakripisyo at mga hamon na pinagdadaanan ng pamilya ng mga may kapansanan,” she said.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also issued a warning who make derogatory and discriminatory remarks on persons with disability.
“Every individual with a disability, including those on the autism spectrum or with neurodevelopmental conditions, deserves dignity, respect, privacy, and the utmost care. Exploiting a person’s disability for amusement, ridicule, or online engagement is unacceptable, as it reinforces harmful stereotypes and drives discrimination against a vulnerable group,” DSWD spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a statement.
“We urge all content creators to exercise responsibility in discussing topics that make fun and violate the rights of vulnerable sectors such as persons with disabilities, whether it is apparent or non-apparent. We need to protect their dignity not only as an act of compassion but also as part of upholding their human rights,” she added.
The statements came amid widespread backlash over the now-deleted Machong Chismisan episode titled “Ang Pagbabalik ni Kris Aquino.”
During the episode, host Tito P, also known as Tito Patrioto, compared Josh, who is on the autism spectrum, with his younger brother, Bimby, and called him “walang kwenta.”
Another host, RJ Carbonell, also mocked Josh over receiving a daily school allowance of P3,000 and joked about him as “nakatunganga lang” at school.
The controversy also prompted strong reactions from netizens and people close to the Aquino family, including Boy Abunda, Mark Leviste, Michael Leyva, and Darla Sauler, who expressed their support for Josh.
Following the backlash, The Pod Network announced on Wednesday, Oct. 14, that it had terminated its contract with Machong Chismisan and would remove the podcast from its network effective immediately.
As of writing, the Aquino family has yet to publicly address the controversy.
