MANILA, Philippines — Friends and supporters of Kris Aquino, along with autism advocacy groups, have condemned the hosts of the "Machong Chismisan” podcast after an episode drew backlash for remarks about her eldest son, Josh Aquino, who is on the autism spectrum.
The controversy went viral on social media with TV host Boy Abunda defending Josh and the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) reminding content creators that disability should never be used as a punchline.
The backlash followed a discussion in a now-deleted episode of the podcast, in which the hosts compared Josh with his younger brother, Bimby, and made remarks about Josh’s behavior and alleged daily school allowance.
One of the hosts reportedly described Josh “not a good child,” while another commented on his allowance. The conversation drew criticism after the hosts laughed at the remarks, which led viewers to accuse them of mocking a person with a disability.
Abunda, a longtime friend of Aquino, expressed anger over the remarks on his GMA Network program “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” saying the comments were cruel and hurtful to Josh and other families of persons with disabilities.
“Habang pinapanood ko po ang clip na ito, hindi ko alam how these bunch of podcasters na mukhang matatalino, edukado ay magagawa ang ganitong ka-cruel na komentaryo,” Abunda said. (While watching this clip, I could not understand how these podcasters, who seem intelligent and educated, could make such cruel comments.)
Abunda also challenged the hosts’ portrayal of Josh, recalling how he witnessed the young man’s role in the family during a visit to Aquino in the United States.
“Alam n’yo po ba si Josh kung ano ang trabaho o assignment? Sa bawat simula ng araw, he would gather everybody in the house, and he would lead the prayer. Hindi po walang silbi si Josh,” he said. (Do you know what Josh’s job or assignment was? At the start of each day, he would gather everyone in the house and lead the prayer. Josh is not useless.)
Abunda said the incident was painful not only for the Aquino family but also for parents and families of persons with disabilities. He added that he would advise Aquino to consider legal action if she sought his counsel.
Fashion designer Michael Leyva, also a close friend of Aquino, criticized the podcast.
In an Instagram story, he wrote, “Hindi nkakatuwa! nakakagalit! I just found out that there’s a video circulating online of these grown men making fun of Kuya Joshua Aquino. Making Kuya Josh the subject of your so-called 'Machong Chismisan' podcast and mocking his disability is not something that I or any of us should simply let slide.
"Kuya Josh is a genuinely kind and intelligent person who deserves all the love and support this world has to offer, not the hurtful words you used to make fun of him. It is not funny, and it will never be funny. Deleting the video from your Youtube channel will not make this issue go away. The internet keeps receipts. Good luck,” he added.
Another family friend, MamaLoi, defended Josh and wrote, "His heart is pure. He prays all the time. At never syang mangyuyurak ng ibang tao! At hindi sya nakatunganga lang! He is very happy taking care of mama,” the post read. (He would never put other people down. And he does not just sit around doing nothing. He is very happy taking care of his mother.)
MamaLoi said Josh and his brother, Bimby, were raised by their mother, who instilled in them faith, compassion and respect for others.
Autism Society Philippines calls for accountability
The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) condemned the podcast episode in a statement titled “Patawang Hindi Nakakatawa,” saying that using a person’s disability for entertainment was unacceptable.
“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 said.
ASP reminded content creators that Republic Act 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, as amended by Republic Act 9442, prohibits public ridicule and vilification of persons with disabilities.
The group clarified that not every offensive joke automatically constitutes a crime, but describing remarks as comedy does not excuse potentially unlawful conduct.
It also called for the podcast hosts to be held accountable by their management, online platforms and relevant government authorities.
“Creators and podcasters have influence — and responsibility,” ASP said, urging them to consider whether their content challenges prejudice or reinforces it.
“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,” it added.
Podcast removes episode, issues apology
Following the backlash, “Machong Chismisan” announced that it had taken down Season 29, Episode 20, which was published Oct. 5, and would stop promoting clips related to the episode.
In a public statement, the podcast acknowledged that some of the remarks made during the discussion were inappropriate and hurtful.
“However, it has since become clear to us that some remarks made during the deleted episode were inexcusably insensitive and hurtful,” the statement read.
The podcast apologized to those offended by the episode, the persons mentioned in the discussion and the persons with disabilities community. It also said it would reach out privately to those affected to discuss how it could make amends respectfully.
“Moving forward, we will be more diligent in reviewing episodes and calling out immediately, in real time, remarks that could possibly be hurtful to anyone or any group,” the statement added.
Co-host Lawrence Vivar also issued a separate apology, taking responsibility for his participation in the discussion and acknowledging that his laughter had contributed to the controversy.
“I wish to clarify that I did not intend any malice in the statements, jokes, laughs, or any part of the conversation that makes fun of persons with special needs,” Vivar said.
He added that he regretted his actions and participation in the discussion, describing the topic as a sensitive issue that should not have been treated as a laughing matter.
“As a comedian, we draw the line and we should never punch down. I take full accountability on my part. I apologize for any offenses, harm that it may have caused to offended parties. Moving forward, I promise to do better,” Vivar said.
Meanwhile, The Pod Network has formally terminated its contract with “Machong Chismisan,” removing the podcast from its network.
