Actress Krystel Go slammed the “Machong Chismisan” podcast hosts for mocking Kris Aquino’s son, Josh, who is on the spectrum, stating, ”Ang disability ay hindi katatawanan.”

Adding to the growing list of public personalities who called out the podcast hosts, the “I’mPerfect” star said in a public statement that disabilities should never be used to gain views, likes, or engagement.

Behind every word spoken is a person who may be hurt and someone who fights every day to be accepted, respected, and valued by society, she said.

“Hindi po namin hinihingi ang awa. Ang hinihingi namin ay respeto!” she expressed. “Kung kaya ninyong gawing content ang tungkol sa amin, sana kaya rin ninyong unawain ang aming pinagdaraanan at pakinggan ang aming mga boses.”

Krystel emphasized that being a comedian or a content creator does not give anyone the right to belittle others.

“Ang tunay na impluwensiya ay ginagamit upang magbigay-kaalaman, magpalaganap ng kabutihan, at magbigay-inspirasyon—hindi upang manghamak,” she said.

The actress thanked Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) for defending the dignity and rights of the PWDs.

“Every person with autism, Down syndrome, or any disability has inherent dignity and worth. Using their condition as a punchline is not comedy. It is cruelty that hurts thousands of Filipino families who live this reality every day,” its statement read.

In a now-deleted episode, hosts of the “Machong Chismisan” podcast made insensitive remarks about Josh, calling him “walang kwenta” (useless).

The hosts have since issued a public apology, acknowledging that their comments were hurtful and inexcusable. Meanwhile, The Pod Network announced the immediate termination of the podcast’s contract, including its removal from the network.

In 2025, Krystel made history after becoming the first Filipino with Down Syndrome to win Best Actress at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for her performance in “I’mPerfect.”