Mc Richard Paglicawan
Boy Abunda has sharply condemned the hosts of ‘Machong Chismisan’ for ridiculing Joshua “Josh” Aquino, the eldest son of Kris Aquino, and urged the television personality to consider legal action against those responsible for the offensive remarks.
Speaking on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’, the veteran television host made it clear that he considered the podcasters’ comments unacceptable, particularly because they targeted a person with autism.
“This is very difficult for me, mga kaibigan. Nakakagalit. Ang dami-dami ko pong katanungan,” Abunda said.
He questioned how the podcast personalities could casually ridicule Josh and laugh about his condition.
“Habang pinapanood ko po ang clip na ito, hindi ko alam how these bunch of podcasters na mukhang matatalino, edukado, ay magagawa ang ganitong ka-cruel na komentaryo,” he stated.
Abunda acknowledged that he had watched only the viral clip, not the full episode, but said what he saw was deeply disturbing.
The controversy began after a clip from ‘Machong Chismisan’ circulated online, showing its hosts comparing Josh with his younger brother, Bimby Aquino.
One participant described Josh as “walang kwenta,” while another remark suggested that he simply sat around doing nothing. Several participants laughed during the exchange.
Abunda denounced the comparison, stressing that Josh should never have been subjected to such degrading remarks.
“Alam n’yo po ang masakit ay ang ‘yung he was being compared to Bimb. ‘Nakatunganga lamang’, ‘walang kwenta’, and you are talking about a young man with disability,” he said.
To challenge the podcasters’ characterization of Josh, Abunda recalled visiting Kris and witnessing the responsibilities her sons carried at home.
While Bimby coordinated with the nurses caring for their mother, Josh gathered members of the household each morning and led them in prayer.
“Hindi po walang silbi si Josh. Mali po ang inyong ginawa,” Abunda declared.
He emphasized that the remarks were an affront not only to the Aquino family but also to other families raising children with disabilities.
Abunda went further by openly encouraging Kris to pursue legal remedies.
Although he had not yet discussed the controversy with his longtime friend, he said he would advise her to bring the matter before the courts.
“Ako, if Kris will ask me, we haven’t had a chance to speak about it but I would tell her, ‘Go to court! Idemanda mo! Dahil labag ito sa batas,’” he said.
He pointed to Republic Act No. 9442, which strengthened protections under the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability by prohibiting public ridicule and vilification based on disability.
Whether the podcast remarks meet the legal requirements for a violation would be determined through the appropriate legal process.
“Machong Chismisan, congratulations! You got the attention of everybody,” Abunda remarked.
He insisted that the incident should not be dismissed as another fleeting social media controversy, calling for continued discussion and education about the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
‘Machong Chismisan’ has since removed Season 29, Episode 20, originally published on October 5, 2026, and issued a public apology.
In a statement signed by host Makoy Pare, the podcast acknowledged that remarks made during the episode were “inexcusably insensitive and hurtful.”
The program apologized to the PWD community and those mentioned in the discussion, saying it would strengthen its content review process and immediately address offensive comments during future recordings.
Co-host Lawrence Vivar separately accepted responsibility for his participation, including laughing during the exchange despite attempting to call out another host.
“I regret my actions, laughs, and participation in that particular topic,” Vivar said.
“As a comedian, we draw the line and we should never punch down,” he added.
The Autism Society Philippines also condemned the incident, warning that disability-based ridicule cannot simply be excused as comedy.
“A person’s disability is not a punchline, and humiliation is not entertainment,” the organization stated.
Abunda ended his remarks with a personal message for Josh, whom he has known since childhood through his close friendship with Kris Aquino.
“I love you, Josh. I saw him grow up. He’s a fine, young man. He’s a good boy,” he said.
