What was intended to be casual banter on the independent podcast Machong Chismisan has ignited an unprecedented wave of public fury across the Philippine entertainment and political sectors.
After podcast hosts made insensitive and derogatory remarks targeting Joshua “Josh” Aquino—the eldest son of “Queen of All Media” Kris Aquino—prominent public figures stepped forward in a unified stand against bullying and the mistreatment of persons with special needs.
The viral incident, which saw host Tito P describe Josh with disparaging terms like “walang kuwenta” (useless), prompted swift condemnation from close family friends, public officials, and industry leaders.
On his afternoon program Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, veteran television host Boy Abunda delivered an emotional and scathing rebuke of the podcasters, visibly moved by the insult to a young man he has known since childhood. Refuting the podcasters’ characterization of Josh as “useless,”
Tito Boy offered an intimate look into Josh’s daily life to highlight his gentle nature.
“Alam n’yo po ba kung ano ang assignment ni Josh? Sa bawat simula ng araw, he would gather everybody in the house and he will lead the prayer. Hindi po ‘Walang silbi’ si Josh, mali po ang inyong ginawa. Labag sa batas ng Diyos at sa batas ng tao ang inyong ginawa. Napakasakit.” Tito Boy revealed.
Tito Boy emphasized that such cruel remarks inflict deep pain not just on the Aquino family, but on every household raising and caring for children with special needs.
Taking a firm legal stance, Abunda publicly urged Kris Aquino to take action under Republic Act 9442 (the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, which penalizes the vilification of persons with disabilities).
“Ako, if Kris would ask me? We haven’t had a chance to speak about this. I will tell her, go to court—Idemanda mo!” Tito Boy asserted.
(Photo source: Instagram – Kris Aquino)
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