Podcast controversy highlights need for more compassionate public discourse

MANILA — The removal of a Machong Chismisan podcast episode from YouTube following backlash over remarks about Josh Aquino has reignited calls for greater sensitivity, accountability and compassion in public discourse.

During the episode, a podcaster described Josh, son of Kris Aquino, as “walang kwenta” and mocked his quiet demeanor, drawing laughter from other members of the podcast. Josh is publicly known to be on the autism spectrum.

The controversy underscores a bigger concern, that jokes and casual remarks can reinforce stigma and inflict harm, particularly when directed at people with disabilities or those who may have difficulty defending themselves.

In a public statement, podcaster Tito P apologized for his remarks, saying he regretted disparaging Josh. He also disclosed that he has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which he said can make impulse control and filtering his thoughts difficult.

He stressed that he was providing context, not an excuse for his behavior.

But advocates for children and persons with disabilities said a medical condition should not be used to justify hurtful conduct.

“Hindi siya justification sa behavior kasi adult siya,” said Ace Diloy, child protection specialist at Stairway Foundation. He added that someone who identifies with the disability sector should be particularly aware of the stigma that such remarks could perpetuate.

Mona Magno-Veluz, spokesperson for the Autism Society Philippines, said accountability should extend beyond the people who make the remarks to those who edit, produce and publish the content.

“It is not just the podcasters who have the responsibility but also those who edit, who produced and those who put this out there,” she said.

Following the backlash, The Pod Network terminated its contract with Machong Chismisan and immediately removed the show from its network.

The incident also drew attention from lawmakers.

Rep. Ann Matibag, chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, said there was nothing funny or masculine about mocking someone who may not be in a position to defend himself.

She also cited the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, particularly Republic Act No. 7277, as amended by RA 9442, which prohibits public ridicule and vilification of persons with disabilities.

Under the law’s implementing rules, a first offense may be punishable by a fine of P50,000 to P100,000, imprisonment of six months to two years, or both.

Sen. Joel Villanueva said removing the episode was not enough. He said podcasters and content creators have influence over their audiences and should recognize their responsibility, while production companies and networks should establish clear standards before content is released.

For Veluz, the controversy also serves as a reminder that the public must learn to challenge “cruelty” rather than simply laugh along.

“This also something we have to do as regular citizens na pag may nakikita tayong mali at alam natin mali hindi po natin dapat itago sa tawa. Dapat ang approach po is at that point in time, ‘Uy you crossed a line’ may ganon namang nangyari pero hindi nila binigyan ng conviction. We must encourage a society that will call out that type of cruelty,” she said.

The podcast later issued another statement apologizing to Kris, Josh and the entire Aquino family, as well as families caring for children with special needs, persons with disabilities and the general public.

The group said it accepted responsibility for its actions and had removed all content related to the episode. It expressed willingness to work with disability rights organizations and advocates to improve awareness and sensitivity.

Josh Aquino’s camp has yet to issue a statement on the incident.

Advocates stress that everyone has a responsibility to be more mindful of the words they use, whether on a podcast, on social media or in everyday conversations because criticism and humor need not come at the expense of another person’s dignity.