Michael Leyva, Autism Society Philippines slam mocking of Josh Aquino
MANILA, Philippines — More individuals came to the defense of Josh Aquino, the eldest son of "Queen of All Media" Kris Aquino, after he was made the subject of insensitive remarks in a podcast episode that has since been taken down.
The hosts of "Machong Chismisan" podcast made rude comments on Kris' son with actor Philip Salvador. Josh has a developmental disability and is on the autism spectrum.
The episode drew huge backlash online leading to its takedown and the podcast's cancellation, with numerous individuals quick to call out the hosts' remarks.
Leading the charge was television host Boy Abunda, who even suggested his close friend Kris pursue legal action.
Another good friend of Kris', designer Michael Leyva, also took to social media to criticize the comments made about Josh.
"HINDI NKAKATUWA! NAKAKAGALIT! Mocking [Josh's] disability is not something that I or any of us should simply let slide," the designer said.
Leyva called Josh "a genuinely kind and intelligent person who deserves all the love and support this world has to offer," adding that the "hurtful words were not funny and will never be funny."
"Deleting the video from your YouTube channel will not make this issue go away. The Internet keeps receipts. Good luck," he ended. On Instagram, Leyva shared screenshots of a video call with Josh, reiterating support for him.
Autism Society Philippines (ASP), a non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of persons on the autism spectrum disorder, issued a statement slamming the "Machong Chismisan" podcast for disguising disability rights violations as jokes.
"Making fun of persons with disabilities for views, laughs, or viral engagement is not automatically protected by the excuse of comedy," ASP said.
"A person's disability is not a punchline, and humiliation is not entertainment. Not every offensive joke automatically constitutes a crime, but calling something comedy does not automatically excuse unlawful conduct."
ASP cited Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, where acts of discrimination and abuse may carry legal consequences, as well as its amenment Republic Act No. 9442, which explicitly prohibits public ridicule and vilification of persons with disabilities.
It noted how online creators both carry influence and responsibility where they should consider if the content they put out "challenge prejudice or reinforce it" or "criticize an idea or humiliate a person because of disability," adding that "the digital world is not beyond the reach of accountability."
"Free expression comes with responsibility. Build an audience through creativity, insight, and wit — not by stripping others of their dignity," said the organization, reiterating that "disability inclusion is a matter of rights, not personal preference."
ASP called on creators to make informative, entertaining, and respectful content,
"When the joke depends on making someone less human, the problem isn't the audience that gets offended. It's the creator who thinks cruelty deserves applause," the organization said.
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