MANILA, Philippines — The Pod Network has terminated its contract with the Machong Chismisan podcast following their hosts’ comments against Joshua Aquino, son of media personality Kris Aquino.
“We have formally terminated our contract with the Machong Chismisan podcast, and are consequently removing the show from the network, effective immediately,” the network said in a statement late Wednesday.
The show’s hosts were strongly criticized by various groups, including the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) and the National Council for Disability Affairs for saying that the younger Aquino was “useless.”
“We take these concerns seriously. Persons with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals deserve dignity and respect, and that includes how they are talked about on our shows. We are sorry for the hurt this has caused,” The Pod Network said in a statement.
“Our creators speak in their own voices, and their views do not reflect those of the network. But as the platform that carries their shows, we should still be mindful of what we share with the public,” it added.
ASP earlier called for the censure of the hosts of the program.
“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. Not every offensive joke automatically constitutes a crime, but calling something comedy does not automatically excuse unlawful conduct,” it said in a statement.
“Creators and podcasters have influence—and responsibility. Before publishing a video, recording a podcast, or joining a viral pile-on, ask: Does this content challenge prejudice or reinforce it? Are we criticizing an idea or humiliating a person because of disability?” it added.
On Wednesday, the podcast apologized to the public and the PWD community over the incident and also took down the episode, which was published on Oct. 5.
“Not all jokes or statements mentioned in every episode are funny, or are necessarily true. There has never been any intention to malign or punch down for the sake of likes or views, nor to raise ourselves to be a platform where the people speaking are always correct, or always funny,” podcast host Makoy Pare said in a statement.
“However, it has since become clear to us that some remarks made during the deleted episode were inexcusably insensitive and hurtful. To prevent any further harm to all parties involved, we have removed the episode and ceased to publicize clips pertaining to it,” he added.
Another host, Tito P, said he regretted his comments against Aquino.
“As someone with ADHD [attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder], impulse control can make filtering thoughts difficult. An edgy joke might pop into my head, and before my executive functioning can evaluate the social risk, it has already been said aloud. I share this not to excuse my behavior, but to provide context,” the host said.
Abigail Valte, former spokesman of Aquino’s uncle, former president Benigno Aquino III, questioned the apology of Tito P.
“You had multiple opportunities to correct this stupidity of epic proportions — but you and your team still decided to publish this video. And you took it down ONLY because you were called out,” she wrote on Facebook.
