Television host Boy Abunda condemned the hosts of Machong Chismisan for mocking Josh Aquino, the son of actress Kris Aquino, and urged her to pursue legal action over the remarks.
In a video commentary, Abunda expressed anger and disbelief over a now-deleted episode of the podcast that went viral online, showing one of its hosts making disparaging comments about Josh, who is on the autism spectrum, and comparing him with his younger brother, Bimby Aquino.
“This is very difficult for me po,” Abunda said, describing the remarks as cruel and hurtful.
“Nakakagalit at ang dami-dami kong katanungan,” he said, questioning how the podcasters, whom he described as seemingly intelligent and educated, could make such comments about a young person with a disability.
“Ang masakit ay yung he was being compared to Bimb. ‘Nakatunganga lamang,’ ‘walang kwenta,’ and you are talking about a young man with disability. You’re talking about a special boy,” he added.
Abunda stressed that Josh is deeply loved by his family, including Kris and her late brother, former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
“Hindi po walang silbi si Josh. Mali po ang inyong ginawa. Labag sa batas ng Diyos at sa batas ng tao ang inyong ginawa, napakasakit,” Abunda said.
“If Kris would ask me, I would tell her, go to court. Idemanda mo,” he added.
Abunda also cited Republic Act No. 9442, or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, which penalizes acts of ridicule and vilification against persons with disabilities.
According to the law, violations could carry imprisonment of six months to six years and fines ranging from ₱50,000 to ₱200,000.
“In other words, labag sa batas ang ginawa ng mga podcasters na ito,” he said.
Addressing the podcast directly, Abunda remarked, “Machong Chismisan, congratulations, you got the attention of everybody.”
He emphasized, however, that the controversy should lead to broader discussions about disability discrimination and respect for persons with disabilities.
“Hindi dito nagtatapos. Dapat ito’y pag-aralan, dapat tayo’y mag-react, dapat pag-usapan para mas ma-enlighten ang maraming tao,” he said.
The controversy has sparked widespread criticism online, with family, friends and supporters of Kris and her family speaking out against the remarks and calling for greater respect for people with disabilities.
