NBI to summon ‘Machong Chismisan’ hosts over remarks on Kris Aquino’s son

MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it would summon the hosts of the Machong Chismisan podcast over remarks directed at actress Kris Aquino’s son Josh, who is on the autism spectrum.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed the planned action in a Viber message on Thursday, saying the bureau would investigate the remarks considered insensitive toward Josh.

The planned subpoenas will allow investigators to look into the circumstances surrounding the statements and determine whether there are grounds for possible legal action.

The development follows renewed public scrutiny of online content creators and podcast hosts over the potential consequences of their statements, particularly when these involve individuals with disabilities and their families.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, and public discussions involving people on the spectrum have prompted calls for greater sensitivity and respect, especially when personal circumstances become the subject of online commentary.

The NBI has yet to publicly detail the specific legal provisions it may examine in connection with the remarks or identify the next steps in its investigation.

A subpoena is a legal process used to require a person to appear or provide information. Its issuance does not, by itself, establish criminal liability.