Posted by ReyFort Media
Kris Aquino has explained why she initially refrained from responding to derogatory remarks about her son, Joshua “Josh” Aquino, saying she chose not to engage with those behind the comments.
In an Instagram post on Oct. 16, the television host addressed the controversy surrounding an episode of the podcast “Machong Chismisan,” which featured a discussion titled “Ang Pagbabalik ni Kris Aquino.” During the episode, one of the hosts described Josh, who is on the autism spectrum, as “walang kuwenta,” or useless, drawing widespread criticism online.
Kris said she had been advised by a friend she respects to avoid responding to people whose comments did not deserve her attention.
“Many of you may have wondered why I gave no statement to what were irresponsible & uninformed opinions,” she wrote.
She explained that remaining silent prevented the issue from turning into a public exchange of accusations.
“By never stating their names, or my feelings, they didn’t get the word war from me they were expecting,” she added.
Rather than focusing solely on the controversy, Kris also offered a glimpse into her family’s daily life, describing how Josh helps care for her while she continues to manage multiple autoimmune diseases.
She said Josh stays beside her during her afternoon rest, which can last as long as four hours. He also knows when to take over caring for her while his younger brother, Bimby, attends to his computer.
Kris shared that one of the things she appreciates most is Josh’s simple gesture of offering his shoulder as a place for her to rest.
“And he loves to say: Mama your shoulder’s here. I sleep best with my head resting on Kuya’s shoulder and my arms wrapped around his left arm,” she wrote.
She acknowledged that remaining still can be difficult for Josh while she rests against him, but said he continues to do his part in looking after her during the weekdays.
The post drew supportive messages from followers, many of whom praised Josh and Bimby for their care for their mother. Others expressed admiration for Kris’ family and offered prayers for her continued recovery. (N. Ramos/mb.com.ph)
‘Machong Chismisan’ hosts apologize over Josh Aquino remarks
The hosts of “Machong Chismisan” and the podcast’s producer, The Pod Network, have issued apologies following the backlash over insensitive remarks about Joshua “Josh” Aquino, the eldest son of Kris Aquino.
The controversy erupted after a clip from the podcast’s October 5 episode, “Ang Pagbabalik ni Kris Aquino,” circulated online, drawing criticism over comments about Josh and comparisons with his younger brother, Bimby Aquino.
During the discussion, host Tito P, also known as Tito Patrioto, said: “Si Bimby, sobrang okay na anak. Si Josh, walang kuwenta eh.”
After hearing that Josh reportedly received a daily allowance of P3,000, Tito P added: “Tapos nakatunganga siyang gano’n.”
The remarks prompted criticism from netizens, including those who condemned the use of a person’s disability as material for comedy.
In response to the backlash, co-host Makoy Pare announced that the podcast had removed Season 29, Episode 20, from its platforms.
In the show’s official statement, Pare acknowledged that some comments had crossed the line.
“It has since become clear to us that some remarks made during the deleted episode were inexcusably insensitive and hurtful,” he said.
The statement added: “We would like to extend our apologies to everyone that was offended in our episode. We would also like to apologize to The PWD Community.”
Pare also apologized to the people mentioned in the episode and said the team would reach out privately to discuss how it could make amends.
Tito P subsequently issued his own apology, acknowledging the harm caused by his remarks.
“It took the public backlash for me to realize where the joke was coming from. But that is how people learn,” he said.
He also expressed regret over his comments and said he would listen to professional advice to become more accountable and respectful in the future.
Co-host Lawrence Vivar likewise released a personal statement taking responsibility for his participation in the discussion.
“As one of the co-hosts of the podcast, I would like to take full accountability for my participation regarding a clip that is going viral,” Vivar said.
He explained that he had challenged Tito P’s remarks during the recording but acknowledged that his own reactions and laughter were also subject to criticism.
“I take full accountability for my part. I apologize for any offense or harm that it may have caused to offended parties,” he added.
Vivar also promised to do better moving forward.
The Pod Network, also issued a statement acknowledging the concerns raised by listeners.
“Persons with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals deserve dignity and respect, and that includes how they are talked about on our shows. We are sorry for the hurt this has caused,” the network said.
The producer clarified that the views expressed by individual creators did not necessarily represent the network’s position. However, it acknowledged its responsibility as the platform distributing their content.
The network confirmed that the episode had been taken down while it reviewed how it was published.
It also announced plans to formalize editorial guidelines across its programs covering disability, mental health, minors, and family members of public figures.
Amid the apologies, television host Boy Abunda weighed in on the controversy on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” expressing dismay over the treatment of Josh.
“Galit ako, but more than the galit, I was really bothered. Na-bother talaga ako na parang, unang-una, ano na ba ang nangyari sa atin? What have we become?” Abunda said.
He questioned how the podcast hosts could make fun of a young man who had little opportunity to defend himself against their comments.
“To make fun of a child na walang kalaban-laban, para pagtawanan mo ang kapanasanan ng isang bata na walang kamuwang-muwang, walang pagkakataong lumaban, I found that cruel,” he said.
Abunda also expressed affection for Josh, whom he had known since childhood.
“I am sorry for what happened to Josh. I love you, Josh, if you’re watching. I saw him grow up. He’s a fine young man. He’s a good boy,” he said.
The veteran host then advised Kris to consider taking legal action against the podcasters.
“If Kris were to ask me, we haven’t had a chance to speak about this, but I would tell her to go to court. Sue them,” Abunda said.
His comments added to the public discussion surrounding the incident, which has raised questions about accountability in comedy and the responsibility of online content creators when discussing persons with disabilities.
As of this writing, the apologies have not ended the controversy, with the incident continuing to fuel conversations about respect, sensitivity, and the limits of humor.(N. Ramos/ mb.com.ph)
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