The Pod Network terminates Machong Chismisan contract after backlash over Josh Aquino remarks

The Pod Network has terminated its contract with Machong Chismisan following backlash over remarks made about Josh Aquino, the eldest son of Kris Aquino, in a now-deleted episode of the podcast.

In the episode, Tito P, one of the hosts, compared Josh with his younger brother, Bimby Aquino, saying, “Si Bimby, sobrang okay na anak. Si Josh, walang kuwenta, eh.”

RJ Carbonell, another host, also mocked Josh after learning that he reportedly receives a daily school allowance of P3,000, saying, “Tapos nakatunganga siyang gano’n?” The remarks drew criticism online, particularly because Josh is on the autism spectrum.

In a statement on Oct. 14, the network announced that it has terminated its contract with the podcast and removing the show from its network, effective immediately.

The network initially addressed the controversy in a statement acknowledging concerns raised by listeners about the episode.

“We take these concerns seriously. Persons with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals deserve dignity and respect, and that includes how they are talked about on our shows,” it said. "We are sorry for the hurt this has caused."

Machong Chismisan apologizes

In its own statement, Machong Chismisan confirmed that it had taken down the episode titled “Ang Pagbabalik ni Kris Aquino,” which was published on Oct. 5.

The podcast acknowledged that some remarks in the deleted episode were “inexcusably insensitive and hurtful.”

"Not all jokes or statements mentioned in every episode are funny, or are necessarily true. There has never been any intention to malign or punch down for the sake of likes or views, nor to raise ourselves to be a platform where the people speaking are always correct, or always funny," they wrote. "However, it has since become clear to us that some remarks made during the deleted episode were inexcusably insensitive and hurtful. To prevent any further harm to all parties involved, we have removed the episode and ceased to publicize clips pertaining to it."

It apologized to viewers who were offended, the persons with disabilities community, and those mentioned in the discussion. The podcast also said it would reach out privately to the people involved to determine how it could make amends.

“Moving forward, we will be more diligent in reviewing episodes and calling out immediately, in real time, remarks that could possibly be hurtful to anyone or any group,” they added.

Celebrities speak up

Television host Boy Abunda addressed the issue on his talk show Fast Talk with Boy Abunda on Oct. 14, describing the remarks as cruel and hurtful to Josh and other persons with disabilities and their families.

"This is very difficult for me. Nakakagalit, ang dami kong katanungan. Hindi ko alam how this bunch of podcasters na mukhang matatalino, edukado, ay magagawa ang ganitong ka-cruel na komentaryo," he said. "You are talking about a young man with a disability. You're talking about a special boy."

He also said he would advise Kris to pursue legal action if she asked for his advice.

Fashion designer Michael Leyva also criticized the podcast hosts in his Facebook, saying Josh deserved love and support rather than hurtful remarks.

“Making Kuya Josh the subject of your so-called ‘Machong Chismisan’ podcast and mocking his disability is not something that I or any of us should simply let slide,” Leyva said. "Kuya Josh is a genuinely kind and intelligent person who deserves all the love and support this world has to offer, not the hurtful words you used to make fun of him."

“It is not funny, and it will never be funny,” he added. 

Mark Leviste, Kris' ex-boyfriend, also came to Josh's defense, saying when he heard about it, he "couldn't contain" his anger.

"To call him 'walang kwenta' and mock him publicly is absolutely unacceptable!"

Leviste added that calling oneself a comedian or podcaster does not exempt anyone from accountability, stressing that there is a difference between making people laugh and turning someone into a laughingstock.

"You may call yourselves comedians or podcasters, but freedom of expression does not exempt you from accountability! There’s a difference between making people laugh and turning someone into a laughingstock. When your foolish words and slapstick humor demean someone, especially because of his disability, you cross a line that should never be crossed," he added.

Dindo Balares, who is a close friend of Kris, condemned the remarks, questioning why some people resort to ridiculing others, particularly those with disabilities, to make themselves look funny or superior.

“Kung may nilalait at pinagkakatuwaan ba tayong kapwa na may disability, tayo ang kahanga-hanga at wala nang kuwenta ang taong ginagawa nating katatawanan?” he wrote.

Hedescribed Josh as a “gentle giant” who was raised to be respectful and loving. He also shared that some families voluntarily look after Josh when his mother, Kris Aquino, travels abroad for medical treatment and he chooses not to accompany her.

Meanwhile, television personality Darla Sauler expressed her support for Josh, describing him as one of the kindest, most thoughtful, and most generous people she knows.

"You are one of the kindest, most thoughtful, and most generous people I know. Mula pagkabata, witness na ako kung paano mo alagaan si Mama at si Bimb sa paraang alam mo, at kung paano mo rin alalahanin ang lahat ng tao sa paligid mo," she wrote. "Kung alam lang ng lahat kung gaano mo laging iniisip ang kapakanan ng ibang tao, kung paano mo gustong masaya ang lahat, at kung gaano ka kasaya kapag may napapasaya ka."

Sauler also shared how Josh would often think of others, making sure to bring home gifts for everyone after their outings, including their driver, household staff, nurse, teachers, and family members.

"You would rather spend it making other people happy than spend it on yourself. And that, to me, says so much about the person you are," she added. 

The Autism Society Philippines also spoke out in a statement titled “Patawang Hindi Nakakatawa.”

The organization reminded content creators that persons with disabilities should not be made the subject of ridicule for entertainment. It also cited Republic Act No. 9442, which prohibits the public ridicule and vilification of persons with disabilities.

“As a community, we must not give our precious time to watching creators and listening to podcasts not capable of basic respect,” the organization wrote. "Disability is not a punchline. Freedom of expression must never come at the expense of the rights and humanity of persons with disabilities."

The Aquino family has yet to issue a statement on the matter.