‘Maybe he’s apologetic’: Machong Chismisan host who allegedly mocked Kris Aquino’s son appears at NBI

MANILA — One of the hosts of the “Machong Chismisan” podcast appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after being summoned in connection with the alleged mockery of Josh Aquino, son of Kris Aquino and a person with disability (PWD).

“Maybe [he’s] apologetic, but he proposed to submit his written statement,” NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said.

Matibag emphasized that the incident was not a joke, as it could constitute an attack on a person’s rights and dignity, particularly those of PWDs, who are protected by law. 

“This is not just a simple joke. Ito ay pag-atake sa dignidad ng isang tao na pinangangalagaan ng ating Saligang Batas,” the NBI chief said.

Matibag said the NBI aims to ensure that the rights of PWDs are protected and that the incident serves as a lesson to internet and social media users. 

“The congressman is right in saying that this will be our number one goal — to avoid the harm to our fellow Filipinos who need our special needs support,” he said.

Matibag also clarified that the investigation remains ongoing to determine whether there is sufficient basis to file the appropriate charges.

The NBI is reviewing the podcast episode recorded on September 30 and subsequently released online. “We will still watch their podcast and what happened on that podcast before and after,” Matibag said.

He added that the investigation could extend beyond the podcast hosts to include other individuals involved in the episode.

Meanwhile, 1PWD Representative JD Castro thanked the NBI for acting on the complaint, stressing that the issue concerns not only Aquino and his family but also the rights and dignity of the entire PWD sector.

“The whole Filipino PWD sector should not be humiliated, looked down upon, and humiliated by our sector because we are strong and we fight,” Castro said.

Castro expressed hope that those involved would offer sincere apologies and that the incident would serve as a lesson to prevent similar cases in the future.

“If they are sincere and genuine in their apologies, if they face it, they will show it to the media and say that they are sorry for what they did — not only to the whole family, but to the whole sector,” he said.

Castro emphasized that having a disability should never be used as an excuse to hurt or demean another person.

Atty. Rick Espino, executive officer for administration of the NBI Cybercrime Division, said the investigation is ongoing. He added that other individuals behind the podcast are also expected to be given the opportunity to explain their side.

“We will file the proper charges on this one,” he said.