MANILA, Philippines — More friends of Kris Aquino have spoken out in defense of her eldest son, Josh Aquino, after the remarks made about him on the “Machong Chismisan” podcast.
Darla Sauler, a longtime friend of Aquino who previously worked with her on “Kris TV,” shared a heartfelt message for Josh on Instagram, recalling how he consistently showed concern for the people around him.
“I love you, Kuya Josh! You are one of the kindest, most thoughtful, and most generous people I know,” Sauler wrote.
“Mula pagkabata, witness na ako kung paano mo alagaan si Mama at si Bimb sa paraang alam mo, at kung paano mo rin alalahanin ang lahat ng tao sa paligid mo.” (Since you were a child, I have witnessed how you take care of Mama and Bimb in your own way and how you also look after everyone around you.)
Sauler said Josh often thought of others before himself, recalling how he would bring home gifts for people he encountered.
“We see your heart. We see your kindness. And we know that you have so much love to give,” she added.
Meanwhile, Mark Leviste, who was previously in a relationship with Aquino, shared a heartfelt defense of Josh, whom he described as someone he loves like his own son.
“I know Kuya Josh personally. I love him like my own son, and my children love him like their own older brother. He is one of the kindest, sweetest, most prayerful, and loving people you will ever meet,” Leviste wrote on Facebook.
He also condemned the hosts for calling Josh “walang kwenta” (useless) and making fun of him publicly.
“To call him ‘walang kwenta’ and mock him publicly is absolutely unacceptable! T*** ***!!! Wala akong nakikitang ka-machohan at katawatawa sa mga inasal ng mga nang-insulto kay Kuya Josh!” he added. (I see nothing macho or funny about the behavior of those who insulted Josh.)
Leviste stressed that freedom of expression should not shield anyone from accountability, particularly when remarks demean a person because of a disability.
“You may call yourselves comedians or podcasters, but freedom of expression does not exempt you from accountability! There’s a difference between making people laugh and turning someone into a laughingstock. When your foolish words and slapstick humor demean someone, especially because of his disability, you cross a line that should never be crossed!” he said.
He also called on the hosts to take responsibility for their actions and issue a sincere apology to Josh and his family.
His son, Ronin Leviste also publicly defended Josh, saying the podcast crossed a line by making another person’s disability the subject of jokes for online content.
In a social media post, Ronin said he stood by Josh not only because they were close friends but also because he knew the person Josh was beyond what others might say about him.
“Nakakalungkot at nakakadismaya na may mga taong ginagawang katatawanan ang kapansanan ng iba para lang sa content. Ang pagkakaroon ng platform ay may kaakibat na responsibilidad, at hindi dapat isinasakripisyo ang dignidad ng isang tao para sa views, likes, o tawanan,” Ronin wrote. (It is heartbreaking and dismaying that some people make fun of another person’s disability just for content. Having a platform comes with responsibility, and a person’s dignity should not be sacrificed for views, likes or laughter.)
He described Josh as a source of joy and a blessing to those who know him, adding that his kindness, generosity and faith were among the qualities that made him special.
“Walang taong perpekto, pero walang sinuman ang dapat maliitin dahil lamang sa kanyang kapansanan. Kuya, hindi ka nag-iisa. Nandito kami para sa iyo, always,” he added. (No one is perfect, but no one should be belittled because of a disability. Josh, you are not alone. We are here for you, always.)
Councilor Andrea Macaraig also expressed support for Josh, describing him as one of the sweetest and most thoughtful people she knows.
In a social media post, she said Josh regularly checked on people, asked how they were doing and made sure to tell them he loved them. She also recalled how he led prayers and sang the national anthem, saying his good qualities deserved greater recognition.
“Walang sinuman ang dapat gawing katatawanan, maliitin, o husgahan dahil sa kanilang kalagayan. Hindi kailangang patunayan ng isang tao ang kanyang halaga upang siya ay igalang at tanggapin,” Macaraig wrote. (No one should be made the subject of ridicule, belittled or judged because of their condition. A person should not have to prove their worth to be respected and accepted.)
She urged the public to choose kindness and compassion, extending her message to other persons with disabilities and their families.
Jack Salvador, Aquino’s longtime personal assistant and confidant, expressed his dismay over the podcast hosts’ remarks in a social media post on Oct. 14.
“Nakakalungkot lang na may mga taong kayang sabihing ‘walang kwenta’ ang isang tao dahil lang sa pagiging special niya. Pero alam n’yo kung ano ang tunay na walang kwenta? Ang husgahan ang isang tao nang hindi nakikita ang kagandahan ng kanyang pagkatao,” Salvador wrote. (It is heartbreaking that some people can call someone “useless” simply because of his special needs. But do you know what is truly worthless? Judging a person without seeing the beauty of his character.)
Salvador emphasized that Josh’s worth should not be measured by his abilities or circumstances, but by his character.
“Yes special sya. Special dahil genuine. Special dahil marunong magmahal. Special dahil marunong rumespeto, magpasalamat, magmalasakit, at magpahalaga sa pamilya,” he added. (Yes, he is special. Special because he is genuine, knows how to love, respects others, expresses gratitude, shows compassion and values his family.)
