Senators on Thursday condemned the “Machong Chismisan” podcast for broadcasting insensitive comments mocking Josh Aquino, the son of actress Kris Aquino, over his autism.
“Nakakagalit at nakakabastos! There is no room for this kind of behavior in our society and in the digital space…Kahit saang anggulo natin tignan ang pangyayari, hindi po katatawanan ang anumang uri ng kapansanan gaya ng autism,” Sen. Joel Villanueva said in a statement.
Villanueva stated that the hosts of the Machong Chismisan podcast should be denied airtime on both digital and traditional broadcast media due to their vulgar commentary. He emphasized that content creators with public platforms bear a duty to act responsibly.
“Who in their right mind would make a mockery od a person on the spectrum? Anong klaseng aliw ang nakukuha sa pagpapahiya sa isang taong hindi kayang ipaglaban ang kanyang sarili? Let me remind the hosts: hindi niyo ikina-macho ang mga pinagsasabi niyo!” Villanueva also said.
Villanueva urged digital host platforms to enforce safety standards and regulate offensive media.
“Those who shape the digital environment must also take responsibility for making it safe. We urge platforms to take action against content that demeans persons with disabilities, just as we expect them to protect children online,” Villanueva added.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros also spoke out against the commentary, emphasizing that persons with disabilities must be protected from public degradation.
“It is never acceptable to mock, belittle, or demean persons with disability. They are not a punchline and their lives should not be fodder for ridicule, whether on air, online, or in private conversation,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros highlighted her legislative work on the National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act aimed at safeguarding the rights of individuals on the autism spectrum.
“To everyone, especially those with platforms: tandan na ang tunay na sukatan ng ating pagkatao ay kung paano natin itinuturing ang mga pinak-bulnerable sa ating Lipunan. Sila ang dapat nating ini-ingatan, hindi pinagtatawanan,” Hontiveros also said.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo likewise denounced the incident, calling out the hosts for demonstrating severe insensitivity toward persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“Hindi ginagawang punchline ang kapansanan. Hindi kasalanan ng isang tao na magkaroon ng kapansanan at walang puwang ang diskriminasyon para sa mga kababayan natin PWD,” Tulfo said.
Tulfo noted that while protective statutes exist, additional legislative measures are necessary. He pointed to his sponsorship of Senate Bill No. 1405, which proposes lifetime validity for PWD identification cards, and Senate Bill No. 1830, which aims to enhance access for PWDs at tourism destinations nationwide.