The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) has condemned remarks made about Josh Aquino, the son of actress and television personality Kris Aquino, after hosts of the Machong Chismisan podcast drew criticism for making fun of him in an episode that has since been deleted.
Josh, who is on the autism spectrum, became the subject of remarks that sparked concerns over the way persons with disabilities are portrayed and discussed in public entertainment. The NCDA stressed that disability should never be used as material for ridicule, emphasizing that respect, dignity, and inclusion must extend to every individual, regardless of their condition.
Following the backlash, the podcast issued an apology, acknowledging that its comments were “inexcusably insensitive and hurtful.” The controversy also prompted action from The Podcast Network, which announced that it had terminated its contract with the show.
The incident has renewed discussion about accountability among online content creators, particularly those whose platforms reach large audiences. While humor and commentary remain part of digital entertainment, disability advocates have consistently emphasized the importance of recognizing when jokes reinforce harmful stereotypes or normalize discrimination.
Beyond the controversy surrounding one podcast, the issue raises a broader concern about how persons with disabilities are treated in everyday conversations. Public apologies and professional consequences may address an individual incident, but meaningful progress also requires greater awareness, responsible representation, and a willingness to challenge attitudes that turn personal differences into entertainment.
For the NCDA, the principle remains fundamental: persons with disabilities deserve the same respect and dignity as everyone else, and that standard should not change simply because a remark is presented as a joke.
Images from krisaquino IG