The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has subpoenaed the five hosts of the “Machong Chismisan” podcast to appear before its Cybercrime Division on Oct. 20 over insulting remarks against Josh Aquino, the son of actress and television personality Kris Aquino, who is on the autism spectrum.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said in an ambush interview that the hosts could face possible charges for violating Republic Act 7277, or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, and cyber libel.

The bureau is also investigating the podcast’s production house to determine how the controversial episode was allowed to air, Matibag said.

He stressed that a public apology would not automatically absolve the hosts of potential criminal liability.

“Hind kasi nagiging sapat yung paghingi ng tawad para yung criminal responsibility mabura. Hindi tayo magsasabi non, sa korte…,” Matibag said.

The hosts drew widespread criticism after one of them called Josh “walang kwenta,” or worthless, during an episode aired Oct. 5.

The episode has since been deleted from the podcast’s social media pages, and the hosts have issued a public apology over the remarks.

(News update via RH Jecelle Ricafort)