Machong Chismisan and Josh Aquino Issue, Explained

What constitutes a joke, and when does humor cross the line? This question is at the center of the controversy involving Filipino podcast Machong Chismisan, which recently drew widespread criticism after its hosts made disparaging remarks about Josh Aquino, the eldest son of Kris Aquino, who is on the autism spectrum.

What began as a conversation about the Aquino family has since escalated into a larger discussion about disability, responsible content creation, and the consequences of making insensitive remarks on a public platform. The backlash has prompted apologies from the podcast's hosts and, most recently, the termination of the show's contract with its production network.

Here's everything you need to know about the controversy.

The controversy stems from an episode of Machong Chismisan titled "Ang Pagbabalik ni Kris Aquino," originally published on October 5, 2026.

In a 26-second clip that circulated online, five men were heard discussing Kris Aquino and her sons, Josh and Bimby. One of the participants, identified as Tito P, compared the two brothers, saying, "Si Bimby sobrang okay na anak, si Josh walang kuwenta, e."

Another participant brought up an unverified claim that Josh received a daily school allowance of P3,000, to which Tito P responded, "Tapos, nakatunganga lang siyang ganoon?"

The exchange was met with laughter from several participants. One of the hosts, Lawrence Vivar, called the remark a "low blow," signaling his discomfort with the conversation.

The clip quickly gained traction on social media, with netizens criticizing the remarks for making Josh's behavior and perceived capabilities the subject of ridicule.

Beyond being an offensive comment about a public figure's family member, the controversy raises concerns about the treatment of persons with disabilities.

Josh Aquino is on the autism spectrum, a fact that has long been publicly known. Critics argued that the podcast's remarks perpetuated harmful assumptions about people with developmental disabilities, particularly the notion that a person's worth is determined by how they behave, communicate, or meet conventional expectations.

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) was among the organizations that condemned the exchange, calling attention to the harmful effects of publicly ridiculing persons with disabilities.

The organization also raised the possibility that such remarks could fall under Philippine laws protecting persons with disabilities from ridicule and vilification.

The issue is particularly relevant in an increasingly content-driven media landscape, where provocative commentary can easily be dismissed as humor. But the intent to entertain does not necessarily diminish a remark's impact, especially when it reinforces existing prejudices.

Several personalities also publicly defended Josh following the circulation of the clip. Fashion designer Michael Leyva took to Instagram Stories to criticize the podcast hosts, describing Josh as a kind and intelligent person. He also emphasized that the remarks should not be excused as comedy, pointing out that deleting the episode would not undo the harm caused.

Television host Boy Abunda, a longtime friend of Kris Aquino, likewise condemned the comments on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, describing them as cruel and hurtful. He later said that, should Kris seek his advice, he would recommend pursuing legal action against those responsible. However, he clarified that he had not spoken with her about the matter at the time.

Following the backlash, Machong Chismisan removed the controversial episode and issued a public apology.

Tito P also released a personal statement acknowledging that his comments were disparaging and had caused hurt to Josh, people on the autism spectrum, and their families.

In his apology, he disclosed that he has ADHD and explained that impulse control can sometimes affect how he filters his remarks. He maintained, however, that this was not intended to excuse his behavior.

Lawrence Vivar similarly apologized, reiterating that he had objected to the comments during the recording while accepting responsibility for his own participation and reaction.

The controversy has already resulted in professional consequences for the show.

On October 15, The Pod Network, the company behind the podcast's distribution, announced that it had terminated its contract with Machong Chismisan, effective immediately.

The decision followed an earlier statement from the network acknowledging its responsibility as a platform and committing to reviewing its editorial practices, particularly regarding sensitive subjects such as disability and mental health.

While the termination effectively ends the show's association with The Pod Network, it does not necessarily mean that Machong Chismisan has permanently ceased operations.