Kris Aquino has broken her silence following public outrage over offensive remarks directed at her eldest son, Josh Aquino, during a viral podcast episode.
The television personality addressed the controversy on October 16 as social media users and advocates continued to condemn comments made by hosts of the Machong Chismisan podcast regarding Josh, who is on the autism spectrum.
Kris reflected on the emotional toll caused by uninformed opinions while noting the necessity of maintaining focus on her well-being during a challenging period.
“There are people I should learn not to give oxygen to,” Kris said.
The actress disclosed that she had been bedridden for five days and experiencing significant physical pain amid her ongoing fight against serious health conditions.
The controversy originated from an October 5 episode of Machong Chismisan titled “Ang Pagbabalik ni Kris Aquino,” which circulated on social media.
During the broadcast, participants discussed Kris and her sons, Josh and Bimby. A speaker identified as Tito P made a derogatory statement comparing the brothers, describing Josh as “walang kuwenta.”
The remark, accompanied by laughter during the show, drew severe backlash from viewers, disability advocates, and public figures who denounced the comments as disrespectful toward individuals on the autism spectrum.
Among those coming to Josh’s defense was veteran television host Boy Abunda, a longtime friend of Kris, who publicly criticized the podcast hosts and stated he would advise legal action if consulted. Fashion designer Michael Leyva and other individuals close to the family also voiced support.
The Autism Society Philippines issued a statement condemning the episode, emphasizing that persons with disabilities should never be subjected to ridicule.
In response to the mounting criticism, Machong Chismisan deleted the episode and issued a public apology. Tito P acknowledged that his remarks were inappropriate and hurtful.
On October 15, distribution partner The Pod Network announced the immediate termination of its contract with Machong Chismisan, stating that the company upholds dignity and respect for neurodivergent individuals and persons with disabilities.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has also initiated steps regarding the incident. On October 16, NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that five podcast participants were subpoenaed to appear before the bureau’s Cybercrime Division on October 20.
Investigators are assessing potential violations of laws protecting persons with disabilities alongside possible cyberlibel offenses. Matibag noted that the public apology issued by the show will not automatically halt legal procedures.
No formal findings of criminal liability have been announced as Kris continues to navigate her health struggles away from regular media engagements.