House Women Committee chair slams podcast mockery of PWDs

Laguna 1st District Representative Ann Matibag strongly condemned the hosts of the podcast "Machong Chismisan" following public backlash over disparaging comments directed at Josh Aquino, the eldest son of media personality Kris Aquino.

"There is nothing funny, brave, or masculine about mocking someone who may not be in a position to defend himself," Matibag said in a statement. "That is not humor. That is cruelty."

During a recent episode, the show's hosts made offensive remarks about Josh, a person with autism, calling him "walang kwenta" and turning his condition into a subject of public ridicule.

Matibag, who chairs the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, expressed anger over the incident both as a lawmaker and as a mother.

"As a mother, I am deeply angered by the public ridicule directed at Josh Aquino, a person with disability. As a children's advocate and a woman leader, I find it appalling that grown men would turn someone's disability into entertainment," Matibag said.

"As a woman, I reject a culture of toxic masculinity that mistakes humiliation for strength and cruelty for humor," she added.

The lawmaker cited that real strength is measured by the courage to defend vulnerable individuals rather than ridicule them. She reminded the public that existing Philippine statutes strictly penalize such actions.

"Our laws, particularly Republic Act No. 7277 as amended by Republic Act No. 9442, expressly prohibit public ridicule and vilification of persons with disabilities. Calling it a joke does not erase responsibility or accountability," she said.

Matibag expressed solidarity with the Aquino family and urged the public to reject discrimination against persons with disabilities.

"I stand with Josh Aquino, his mother Kris, and every family fighting for the dignity and protection of their loved ones," Matibag said.

"This is not simply about one podcast or one offensive remark. It is about the kind of society we choose to become. We cannot speak of inclusion and equality while tolerating the humiliation of persons with disabilities. Disability is never a punchline. Cruelty is never comedy, and silence in the face of discrimination is never acceptable," she added.