Complaint filed vs podcast hosts for mocking Josh Aquino

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker appeared at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday to file a complaint-referral against the five hosts of “Machong Chismisan” podcast over derogatory remarks against Kris Aquino’s son Josh, who has autism.

Rep. JD Castro of 1PWD party-list also asked the NBI to investigate the podcast’s producers and network for allowing the episode to air.

The complaint cites Sections 39 and 40 of Republic Act 7277, as amended by RA 9442, the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, which penalizes the public ridicule and vilification of PWDs.

“We are not acting on behalf of Josh Aquino alone, but for the entire sector,” the wheelchair-bound Castro told reporters. “A person’s disability should never be made a laughingstock.”

The episode was taken down after the hosts issued a public apology on Oct. 15.

Castro rejected one of the hosts’ explanation that his remarks were related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.

“Whether you have a disability or not, that is not an excuse,” Castro said.

He expressed hope that the case would set a precedent for enforcing protection against the public ridicule of PWDs, adding that many people remain unaware of the law.

The podcast hosts are expected to appear before NBI investigators today after subpoenas were issued.

Violators may face a fine of up to P100,000 and penalty of up to two years in prison for the first offense, subject to the applicable legal provisions.

The NBI said it would determine whether the evidence warrants criminal or other legal action.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo pushed for stricter penalties against those who ridicule PWDs. — Marc Jayson Cayabyab