‘I Am in So Much Pain’–Kris Aquino Reveals Being Bedridden for Five Days, Speaks Up for Son Josh

A controversy recently erupted after the hosts of the podcast Machong Chismisan made remarks about Kris Aquino’s son, Josh, who is on the autism spectrum, during one of their episodes.

The episode quickly went viral, sparking widespread backlash from netizens who condemned the hosts’ remarks about Josh. Several celebrities and close friends of the Aquino family also spoke out in his defense, expressing their support for him.

Today, Kris has finally addressed the controversy, explaining why she took several days to release a statement. Her Instagram post has since received an outpouring of support from celebrities, fans, and netizens.

“Many of you may have wondered why I gave no statement to what were irresponsible & uninformed opinions. A friend who I admire for his wisdom told me there are people I should learn not to give oxygen to, in other words ignore and the issue dies a natural death,” the “Queen of All Media” wrote.

Kris explained that she initially chose not to name the podcast hosts or publicly share her feelings about the issue, as she did not want to engage in the kind of word war they may have expected from her.

While she has never felt the need to disclose what happens within their household, Kris said she wanted to set the record straight about Josh and the role he plays in caring for her amid her ongoing health struggles.

“I haven’t felt the need to share with you what happens in our home. But to set the record straight, kuya is with me during our afternoon siesta, although mine stretches to 4 hours. When he sees Bimb going to his computer, kuya knows it’s his shift,” she said.

Kris also shared one of Josh’s favorite lines, which reflects the quiet but meaningful way he looks after his mother: “Mama your shoulder’s here.”

“Kuya” is what Kris affectionately calls her eldest son. She revealed that while battling her illness, she gets her best sleep when she rests her head on Josh’s shoulder and wraps her arms around his left arm.

“It’s difficult because he can’t move but Monday to Friday kuya josh does his share to take care of his mama,” Kris shared.

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

The controversy has also drawn the attention of authorities. Despite the podcast hosts issuing apology statements on their Facebook account, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it would summon them over their remarks about Josh.

According to ABS-CBN News, NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that the bureau would summon the Machong Chismisan hosts over their remarks about Josh to determine whether grounds for legal action exist.

Meanwhile, the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (RA 7277), as amended by RA 9442, prohibits the public ridicule and vilification of persons with disabilities. A first offense may carry a fine of ₱50,000 to ₱100,000, imprisonment of six months to two years, or both.

In the same Instagram post, Kris Aquino also shared an update on her ongoing health struggles, revealing that she had stopped providing updates because she was afraid of her latest test results, which she said were “not so great.”

While fans had hoped that Kris was getting better as she gradually returned to appearing in commercials, campaigns, and brief television appearances, she revealed that she had developed another autoimmune disease that was causing alarming symptoms.

Kris also shared that she underwent an operation following one of her recent work commitments. “I want to thank the doctors and nurses in Makati Medical Center who were so respectful of my privacy. The sutures aren’t out yet, but as soon as they are, time for my 3rd infusion of a biologic immunosuppressant that has helped,” she wrote.

She also expressed her gratitude to fans and netizens for their continued support, prayers, and words of encouragement, explaining that her absence from social media often reflects the severity of her condition.

“If i don’t post, i am in so much pain that i’m bedridden for 5 days, or if you don’t see reels- that’s the sign, i am in need of more prayers. I don’t want to ad to your burdens, i’ve read you admire my strength, that’s because i witnessed what our mom went through to prepare us, for life without her.”

Despite the challenges she continues to face, Kris remains determined to fight for her sons, including giving her youngest, Bimby, more time to prepare for his lifelong responsibility of caring for his older brother, Josh.

“That’s why ang mama nila hindi pa pwedeng isuko ang laban,” she ended. 

Lead photos from @krisaquino