MANILA, Philippines — Autism Society Philippines (ASP) on Wednesday rebuked the hosts of the podcast “Machong Chismisan” (Macho Talk), after an episode showed them laughing at the disability of Josh Aquino, who is the son of TV personality Kris Aquino.
Aquino, who was born with autism, was mocked on the podcast for being “useless”. The episode has since been removed.
“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,” Autism Society 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.
The country’s Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities (Republic Act No. 7277), acts of discrimination and abuse against PWDs may carry legal consequences, while RA 9442 explicitly prohibits public ridicule and vilification against them.
ASP also called for the censure of the hosts of the program by their management, The Pod Network, along with their platforms and the government.
“Disability inclusion is a matter of rights, not personal preference. Make content that informs, entertains, and respects. Because when the joke depends on making someone less human, the problem isn’t the audience that gets offended. It’s the creator who thinks cruelty deserves applause,” ASP said.
The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) also condemned the podcast episode.
“Humor that crosses the line and stomps on one’s dignity is not comedy; it is blatant discrimination,” the NCDA said in a statement late on Wednesday.
“Persons with disabilities must be treated with absolute respect, empathy, and understanding, not subjects of mockery for cheap entertainment and clout. Punch-down humor masked as freedom of expression serves to fuel and amplify the harmful stigma against those protected by disability rights,” they added.
“Creators bear a responsibility to foster respectful and inclusive digital spaces, ensuring that all content is approached with sensitivity and mindfulness. NCDA also calls on the public and social media users to refrain from sharing, reposting, and engaging with any material that demeans, mocks, or exploits vulnerable individuals,” the council said.
