Solons hit podcast for making fun of differently abled persons

MANILA, Philippines — Three lawmakers from the House of Representatives have called out a podcast after one of their hosts mocked Joshua Aquino, queen of all media Kris Aquino’s son who was born with autism, with one saying that there is nothing “macho” in ridiculing differently abled individuals.

In a statement on Thursday, Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima asked whether making fun of individuals with disabilities makes people man enough — a shot on the name of the podcast involved, Machong Chismisan (Gossiping Males).

The podcast found itself in hot waters after one of its hosts, a certain Tito P, claimed that Joshua is useless as he brings no value to his family.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Did ridiculing a disabled person make them more of a man?  Do they think such discussions carry worth?  But it only showed the lack of understanding, care, humanity, and decency,” de Lima said.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

READ: Machong Chismisan hosts sorry for Josh Aquino remarks; podcast contract terminated

“It’s really sad and infuriating that instead of jointly upholding awareness, acceptance and inclusion, there are still some who make fun of autism,” she added. “These kinds of jokes are disrespectful, insensitive, and completely unacceptable.”

De Lima said that it is wrong to even think of this joke, but to say it out loud is another level.

“To think about it is already wrong. Saying it as a joke is worse. But to push through with the airing so that many will hear and watch this is very wrong. That makes it even more concerning. We hope that those involved will be held accountable for their words and actions,” she said.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Disabilities are not a joke. There is nothing funny about the hardships, sacrifices, and challenges faced by families whose members are impaired,” she added.

Gabriela party-list Rep. Sarah Elago said that such a content only strengthens a wrong belief that persons with disability (PWD) cannot contribute to a society.

Article continues after this advertisement

According to Elago, this then leads to discrimination at workplaces, even if PWDs can hold meaningful roles in different levels.

“This kind of content strengthens the false belief that persons with disabilities have no worth.  It spreads stigma.  It pushes strong discrimination against PWDs in workplaces, schools, communities, and even online,” she said.

“That’s why creating content should have a corresponding accountability mechanism, and we should identify who were involved behind the damage that these statements caused.  No one should hide behind the reason that it was for views or for fun only.  Comedy is not measured by the ability to humiliate or belittle others. Any form of discrimination is not acceptable,” she added.

Elago said their party will continue to push for a meaningful implementation of the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities.

Deputy Speaker Albee Benitez, on the other hand, said that freedom of expression is not a “license to to demean or humiliate others.”

“As the author of House Bill No. 3379, the National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act, I firmly believe that persons with autism deserve understanding, equal opportunities, and genuine acceptance, not cruelty and ridicule,” he said. “Calling someone ‘walang kwenta’ because of his special needs is not just insensitive — it is an attack on his dignity and worth as a human being.”

“Freedom of expression is not a license to demean or humiliate others. Having autism does not make anyone less human, less capable of being valued, or less deserving of respect […] Let us choose compassion over cruelty and inclusion over discrimination. Because no one should ever be made to feel worthless for being different,” he added.

The host has already apologized over his remarks about Joshua, saying that he regrets his actions that have hurt many people.

“Regrettably, I made remarks that were disparaging toward Josh Aquino and hurt many people who relate to his condition as a person on the autism spectrum, as well as those who have loved ones like him,” he said.

“While this does not excuse my hurtful words or the laughter that followed, I hope people will consider that I was not coming from a place of malice or hurtful intent. As someone with ADHD, 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,” he added.

Despite this apology, several personalities have still called out the podcast, and urged Aquino to file a case against the host. The actress’ ex-boyfriend, Batangas Vice Gov. Mark Leviste, said he could not contain his anger after learning of the podcast hosts’ remarks against Joshua, whom he said he loves like his own son.

READ: Mark Leviste slams ‘Machong Chismisan’ hosts over mocking remarks about Josh

Kris’ long-time friend, talk show host Boy Abunda, said that while he has not yet talked  to his friend about the matter, he would urge her to file a case against the podcast hosts.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

The National Council on Disability Affairs has also condemned remarks made by the podcast hosts, saying that persons with disabilities should be treated with respect and should not be subjected to ridicule or mockery. /das