NBI subpoenas 'Machong Chismisan' hosts over offensive remarks about Kris Aquino's son Josh
The NBI has issued subpoenas to the five hosts of the Machong Chismisan podcast in connection with the offensive remarks they made about Kris Aquino's son Josh.
"Kahapon, nagpadala na kami ng subpoena dun sa mga miyembro nung podcast na 'yan," NBI director Melvin Matibag told the media on Friday, Oct. 16, adding that two of the hosts have received it so far.
Per Matibag, the individuals may face raps for violating the law protecting PWDs and cyberlibel.
They've been ordered to appear before the NBI and submit their responses on Oct. 20.
Podcasters' remarks vs Josh
Earlier this week, a clip from the since-deleted Oct. 5 episode of Machong Chismisan went viral online, showing the hosts mocking Josh, who is on the spectrum.
In the episode, Tito P, one of the hosts, compared Josh with Bimby, saying, "Si Bimby, sobrang okay na anak. Si Josh, walang kuwenta, eh."
Another host, RJ Carbonell, mentioned Josh's daily school allowance of P3,000, adding, "Tapos nakatunganga siyang gano'n?"
Government agencies, PWD advocates, individual netizens, celebrities, and politicians swiftly condemned the podcasters' ignorant choice of words.
On Oct. 14, The Pod Network announced the termination of its contract with Machong Chismisan "effective immediately."
A day later, the podcast issued a public apology to the Aquino family, and Josh in particular.
"We take full accountability for our actions and behavior during the episode," the hosts wrote in a statement. "We acknowledge that our conduct was inexcusable, deeply insensitive, and hurtful. We recognize the impact of our actions, and we do not wish to make excuses for the harm we have caused."
The hosts also apologized to families of children with special needs and the PWD community.
"We recognize that our actions were not only hurtful to the Aquino family but also deeply disrespectful to the dignity and experiences of many others," the statement continued.
Kris Aquino spoke out on their insensitive remarks on Oct. 16. "Many of you have wondered why I gave no statement to what were irresponsible & uninformed opinions," she wrote in an Instagram post. "A friend who I admire for his wisdom told me there are people I should learn not to give oxygen to; in other words, ignore and the issue dies a natural death."
"By never stating their names, or my feelings, they didn't get the word war from me they were expecting," she added.
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