The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday warned that shaming, ridiculing or vilifying persons with disabilities may carry legal consequences following an episode of the ‘Machong Chismisan’ podcast that mocked Kris Aquino’s son, Josh and his condition.

DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao urged content creators to respect the dignity, privacy and rights of persons with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum and individuals experiencing psychosocial crises.

“Exploiting a person's disability for amusement, ridicule, or online engagement is unacceptable, as it reinforces harmful stereotypes and drives discrimination against a vulnerable group,” Dumlao said.

She called on content creators to avoid turning the conditions of vulnerable individuals into public spectacles or sources of entertainment, stressing the need to promote respectful and inclusive digital spaces.

Under Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, as amended by Republic Act No. 9442, acts that shame, ridicule or vilify persons with disabilities in public or online spaces are punishable by law, the DSWD said.

The podcast content had been taken down and its hosts had issued a public apology, according to one of its members, Makoy Pare.

Dumlao said content creators, like mainstream media practitioners, have a responsibility to ensure their content respects the rights and dignity of vulnerable individuals.