House Committee on Women and Gender Equality chair and Laguna Rep. Ma. Rene Ann Lourdes G. Matibag has condemned the alleged public ridicule of Josh Aquino, the eldest son of actress Kris Aquino who has autism, stressing that mocking a person’s disability is an act of cruelty, not humor.
In a statement, Matibag expressed concern over remarks made about Josh in the podcast Machong Chismisan, Season 29, Episode 20, titled “Ang Pagbabalik ni Kris Aquino,” which aired on October 5, 2026.
The lawmaker said the podcast’s remarks, which reportedly described Josh as “walang kwenta” and “nakatunganga,” turned a person with autism into a subject of ridicule and laughter.
“As a mother, I am deeply angered by the public ridicule directed at Josh Aquino, a person with disability,” Matibag said, adding that she found it appalling that grown men would turn someone’s disability into entertainment.
“There is nothing funny, brave, or masculine about mocking someone who may not be in a position to defend himself. That is not humor. That is cruelty,” she stressed.
Matibag, who chairs the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, also denounced what she described as a culture of toxic masculinity that mistakes humiliation for strength and cruelty for humor.
She emphasized that genuine strength is demonstrated by defending vulnerable individuals rather than ridiculing them.
The lawmaker also cited Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, as amended by Republic Act No. 9442, which expressly prohibits public ridicule and vilification of persons with disabilities.
“Calling it a joke does not erase responsibility or accountability,” Matibag said.
She further expressed solidarity with Josh, his mother Kris, and families advocating for the dignity and protection of their loved ones with disabilities.
“We cannot speak of inclusion and equality while tolerating the humiliation of persons with disabilities. Disability is never a punchline. Cruelty is never comedy. And silence in the face of discrimination is never acceptable,” she said.
