Standing with Josh, others

There is nothing funny, brave, or masculine about mocking someone who may not be in a position to defend himself.

Thus, I take exception to sensitive comments on Josh Aquino, eldest son of Kris Aquino, in a sad episode in the podcast “Machong Chismisan” aired recently.

That is not humor. That is cruelty.

The podcast host, said to be “pinakamabangis, pinakamalakas,” made disparaging remarks on Josh, calling him “walang kwenta” and “naka tunganga,” turning a person with autism into a subject of ridicule and laughter.

As a mother, I am deeply angered by the public ridicule directed at Josh Aquino, a person with disability. As a children's advocate and a woman leader, I find it appalling that grown men would turn someone disability into entertainment.

As a woman, I reject a culture of toxic masculinity that mistakes humiliation for strength and cruelty for humor.

Real strength is not measured by the ability to ridicule the vulnerable, but by the courage to defend them. 

Our laws, particularly RA 7277 as amended by RA 9442, expressly prohibit public ridicule and vilification of persons with disabilities. Calling it a joke does not erase responsibility or accountability.

I stand with Josh Aquino, his mother Kris, and every family fighting for the dignity and protection of their loved ones.

It is about the kind of society we choose to become. We cannot speak of inclusion and equality while tolerating the humiliation of persons with disabilities. Disability is never a punchline. Cruelty is never comedy. and silence in the face of discrimination is never acceptable.

-- Rep. Ann Matibag

1st District, Laguna and Chairperson of Committee on Women and Gender Equality in the House of Representatives.