The distasteful remarks made about Josh Aquino, the eldest son of Kris Aquino who is on the autism spectrum, have drawn condemnation from government officials, television personalities and advocates for persons with disabilities, who said the comments crossed the line from humor into harmful ridicule.
The backlash began after a 26-second clip from the Oct. 5 episode of the now-defunct “Machong Chismisan” podcast, titled “S29E20: Ang Pagbabalik ni Kris Aquino,” circulated online. In the clip, co-host Tito P, also known as Tito Patrioto, compared Kris Aquino’s sons and referred to Josh as “walang kuwenta,” while other hosts were heard laughing.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development condemned the incident, saying persons with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum and those with neurodevelopmental conditions, are entitled to dignity, privacy, respect and care.
The agency also reminded content creators that public ridicule or vilification of persons with disabilities may be punishable under Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, as amended by Republic Act No. 9442.
“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,” DSWD spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said.
Television host Boy Abunda, a close friend of Kris Aquino, strongly condemned the remarks and defended Josh.
“Hindi po ‘Walang silbi’ si Josh—mali po ang inyong ginawa. Labag sa batas ng Diyos at sa batas ng tao ang inyong ginawa. Napakasakit,” Abunda said.
Actor Dingdong Dantes also criticized the podcast hosts, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with having a public platform.
“Ang mikropono at entablado ay may kaakibat na pananagutan. Hindi aliw ang panghahamak,” Dantes said.
Actress Aiko Melendez likewise spoke against the remarks, stressing that children with special needs should never be subjected to bullying or humiliation.
“There is absolutely no place for bullying especially when it targets children with special needs. No child should ever be mocked, excluded, humiliated, or hurt simply because they communicate, learn, behave, or experience the world differently,” Melendez said.
Former Batangas Vice Governor and PGMN Anchor MARK LEVISTE, who knows Josh personally, also condemned the comments and said he considers him family.
“I love him like my own son, and my children love him like their own older brother,” Leviste wrote.
Leviste described the public mockery as “absolutely unacceptable” and called on those responsible to take accountability and sincerely apologize to Josh and his family.
House Special Committee on Persons with Disabilities chairperson Rep. Carlos Andes Loria said the remarks turned a person’s disability into a source of entertainment.
“There is nothing amusing about humiliating another human being. Words spoken for a moment of laughter can leave wounds long after the laughter has stopped,” Loria said.
He stressed that respect should not depend on a person proving their worth or ability.
“No one should have to prove their worth to be treated with respect. No person’s disability should ever be turned into someone else’s entertainment,” Loria said.
The controversy also drew criticism from fashion designer Michael Leyva and the Autism Society Philippines, adding to the growing calls for accountability.
The podcast subsequently removed the episode and stopped promoting its clips. The Pod Network also terminated its contract with “Machong Chismisan” and removed the show from its network, effective immediately.
