Three members of the House of Representatives publicly condemned the podcast Machong Chismisan on Thursday, October 15, 2026, after one of its hosts called Josh Aquino, the son of actress Kris Aquino who was born with autism, worthless. The Pod Network, which carried the show, announced early Wednesday that it had formally terminated its contract and removed the program effective immediately.
According to CDN Digital, the controversy erupted after a host identified as Tito P claimed during an episode that Josh brings no value to his family. The remark triggered a wave of criticism from lawmakers, disability advocates, and ordinary Filipinos who defended the young man across social media.
Lawmakers: There is nothing macho in mocking PWDs
Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima aimed her statement directly at the show's name, Machong Chismisan, which translates roughly to Gossiping Males. She asked whether ridiculing a person with a disability makes anyone more of a man.
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.
Disabilities are not a joke. There is nothing funny about the hardships, sacrifices, and challenges faced by families whose members are impaired.
De Lima added that thinking of such a joke is already wrong, saying it aloud is worse, and pushing through with the broadcast so many could hear it is very wrong. She called for accountability for those involved.
Gabriela party-list Rep. Sarah Elago warned that content of this kind reinforces the false belief that persons with disabilities cannot contribute to society, which then feeds discrimination in workplaces, schools, communities, and online spaces.
Comedy is not measured by the ability to humiliate or belittle others, Elago said. No one should hide behind the reason that it was for views or for fun only.
Elago said her party will keep pushing for the meaningful implementation of the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities.
Benitez: Expression is not a license to demean
Deputy Speaker Albee Benitez, author of House Bill No. 3379, the National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act, said freedom of expression stops where cruelty begins.
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.
Calling someone walang kwenta, or worthless, because of his special needs is not just insensitive, Benitez said, but an attack on his dignity and worth as a human being.
House PWD Committee Chair and Albay Rep. Carlos Andres Loria also condemned the hosts, Politko reported, citing laws that prohibit the public ridicule of persons with disabilities.
Network cuts ties, host apologizes
The Pod Network announced around 1 a.m. Wednesday through a Facebook post that it formally terminated its contract with the podcast and is removing the show from the network effective immediately, as reported by PEP.ph, which also identified the five men who appeared in the viral episode.
The host at the center of the storm has apologized, saying he regrets remarks that disparaged Josh Aquino and hurt people on the autism spectrum and their families.
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, the host said, explaining that he has ADHD and struggles with impulse control. He added that he shared this to provide context, not to excuse his behavior.
The hosts also released a statement explaining their side of the controversy, ABS-CBN Entertainment reported.
Calls for a case grow louder
The apology has not quieted everyone. Batangas Vice Gov. Mark Leviste, a former boyfriend of Kris Aquino, said he could not contain his anger over the remarks against Josh, whom he said he loves like his own son.
Talk show host Boy Abunda, a longtime friend of Kris Aquino, said he would urge her to file a case against the podcast hosts.
The National Council on Disability Affairs has also condemned the remarks, saying persons with disabilities deserve respect and must never be subjected to ridicule or mockery.
For a country that takes pride in close family ties and in looking after its most vulnerable, this episode is a painful reminder that stigma against persons with disabilities persists even in spaces meant for entertainment. The Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities exists on paper. What lawmakers like Elago and Benitez are fighting for is a society that lives it, one podcast episode at a time.