Faced with severe criticism and rising legal scrutiny, the team behind ‘Machong Chismisan’ pulled the episode and released public statements taking full accountability for the incident.
The podcast faced a swift, widespread public backlash over disparaging remarks directed at Joshua “Josh” Aquino, the eldest son of veteran media personality Kris Aquino.
“Kami po ay lubos na nagsisisi at taos-pusong humihingi ng kapatawaran sa aming mga pagkukulang at pagkakamali. Buong puso po naming tinatanggap ang aming pananagutan sa aming mga naging kilos at pananalita. Sa Pamilyang Aquino, lalo na po kina Ms. Kris Aquino at Josh, kami po ay taos-pusong humihingi ng tawad. Nauunawaan po naming hindi sapat ang paghingi ng paumanhin upang mabura ang sakit na aming naidulot, ngunit umaasa po kaming maipakita sa pamamagitan ng aming mga susunod na hakbang ang aming tunay na pagsisisi at kahandaang matuto at magbago.”
In a separate personal statement, Tito P addressed his specific remarks regarding Josh Aquino:
“Machong Chismisan recorded an episode entitled “S29E20: Ang Pagbabalik ni Kris Aquino,” in which I was one of the hosts.
The comedy podcast follows a free-flowing discussion format in which we comment on pop culture and other Pinoy issues, with the intention of making ourselves, our guests, and our audience laugh.
Regrettably, I made remarks that were disparaging toward Josh Aquino and hurt many people who relate to his condition as a person on the autism spectrum, as well as those who have loved ones like him.
I can relate to him and to those affected as someone who has also been diagnosed as neurodivergent. While this does not excuse my hurtful words or the laughter that followed, I hope people will consider that I was not coming from a place of malice or hurtful intent.
As someone with ADHD, impulse control can make filtering thoughts difficult. An edgy joke might pop into my head, and before my executive functioning can evaluate the social risk, it has already been said aloud. I share this not to excuse my behavior, but to provide context.
It took the public backlash for me to realize where the joke was coming from. But that is how people learn.
I thank Machong Chismisan and Makoy for taking down the video as soon as the hurt people felt became apparent. I apologize to my cohosts, The Pod Network, and to everyone else who were subjected to unwanted publicity because of these words.
I am reaching out to those who were directly affected by the remarks to hopefully extend my apologies in person. And I will continue to hear helpful and professional advice as to how to make myself more accountable and more respectful in the future.
As for everyone else, I sincerely hope that cut portions of the episode would not be used to malign, hurt, or disparage anyone. Or to summon negative feelings from those who would not have heard the clip had it not gone viral.
Thank you for understanding.
Tito P”
The podcasters expressed a commitment to learn from the mistake, pledging to engage with advocacy groups such as the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) to better understand disability rights and foster greater inclusivity in media.
In a public release, the network clarified that its values regarding respect, dignity, and responsible content distribution were non-negotiable, signaling that platform providers are taking a firmer stance against hate speech and disability-based mockery.
(Photo source: Instagram – Kris Aquino)
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