Former Batangas Vice Governor and Kris Aquino’s ex-boyfriend
PGMN Anchor MARK LEVISTE has fiercely condemned the hosts of the video podcast Machong Chismisan after a viral segment from their show mocked Joshua “Josh” Aquino, the eldest son of his former girlfriend and TV host-actress Kris Aquino, who is on the autism spectrum.
Public outrage erupted when a 26-second clip from the show’s Oct. 5 episode titled “S29E20: Ang Pagbabalik ni Kris Aquino” circulated on social media. In the recording, host Tito P, also known as Tito Patrioto, drew sharp criticism when he compared Kris Aquino’s sons, praising the younger Bimby before dismissing Josh as “walang kuwenta” (worthless) while the other co-hosts laughed in the background.
Leviste, who has maintained a close relationship with the Aquino family since his past relationship with Kris, made it clear that the remarks against Josh were deeply personal. In a Facebook post, the former vice governor expressed his anger over the conduct of the podcast hosts and condemned their decision to turn Josh into a subject of public ridicule.
“I know #KuyaJosh personally. I love him like my own son, and my children love him like their own older brother,” Leviste wrote, describing Josh as one of the kindest, sweetest, most prayerful, and loving people he knows.
“To call him ‘walang kwenta’ and mock him publicly is absolutely unacceptable!” he added, denouncing the hosts for disguising offensive remarks as comedy.
Leviste, a former Batangas governor, also rejected the idea that comedy could excuse the insults, stressing that freedom of expression does not exempt content creators from accountability. He demanded that those responsible take full responsibility, apologize sincerely to Josh and his family, and demonstrate through their actions that they understand the harm caused.
Amid the backlash, Tito P issued a public apology admitting his remarks were hurtful and disparaging. However, he also cited his diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), explaining that difficulties with impulse control sometimes make it harder to filter his thoughts before speaking. He maintained that the disclosure was intended to provide context rather than excuse his behavior.
The controversy subsequently cost Machong Chismisan its association with The Pod Network, which announced the termination of its contract with the show and its removal from the network.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development also condemned the incident, warning content creators of possible legal consequences for exploiting, shaming, or ridiculing persons with disabilities.
In an Oct. 14 statement, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized that individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions deserve dignity, respect, privacy, and proper care. She warned that exploiting disabilities for amusement or online engagement reinforces harmful stereotypes and discrimination.
The controversy also drew condemnation from Autism Society Philippines and public personalities, including television host Boy Abunda and fashion designer Michael Leyva, as criticism mounted against the podcast hosts over their treatment of Josh.
The now‑defunct podcast was infamous for its shallow, ill‑informed takes on media and politics. In May, it went after Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), with the hosts branding the network a “propaganda machine” while falsely accusing it of extortion against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. PGMN has categorically rejected those baseless claims, firmly denying any link to extortion or propaganda.
