MANILA, Philippines – Senators Risa Hontiveros and Erwin Tulfo have renewed calls for stronger protections and greater opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) following public outrage over derogatory remarks directed at Joshua “Josh” Aquino in a viral podcast episode.

On Thursday, October 15, the lawmakers emphasized that protecting PWDs requires more than condemning discriminatory remarks, pointing to pending legislation intended to improve access to healthcare, education, public services, and other opportunities.

The controversy involved an episode of the Machong Chismisan podcast, whose hosts drew widespread criticism after making disparaging comments about Aquino, the eldest son of television personality Kris Aquino, who is on the autism spectrum.

Hontiveros condemned the remarks, stressing that people with disabilities deserve respect and should never become subjects of ridicule for entertainment.

She also reminded content creators and public personalities of their responsibility to uphold the dignity of individuals, particularly those vulnerable to discrimination.

Senate-approved bill seeks comprehensive autism support

Hontiveros highlighted Senate Bill No. 1822, or the proposed National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act, which aims to establish a coordinated national framework for supporting Filipinos on the autism spectrum.

The measure covers early identification and intervention, access to healthcare and therapy, inclusive education, and social protection services.

The Senate unanimously approved the bill on third and final reading in March 2026 before transmitting it to the House of Representatives.

Hontiveros said strengthening these services is essential to ensuring that persons with autism receive appropriate support and have opportunities to participate fully in society.

Although approved by the Senate, the measure has not yet become law.

Tulfo seeks permanent PWD IDs, accessible tourism

Meanwhile, Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, raised concerns about the discrimination experienced by ordinary Filipinos with disabilities.

He questioned how individuals without public recognition or prominent family backgrounds are treated when even well-known personalities such as Aquino can become targets of ridicule.

Tulfo stressed that having a disability is not a matter of personal choice and should never be used as a basis for humiliation.

He cited Senate Bill No. 1405, which seeks to grant lifetime validity to PWD identification cards issued to individuals with permanent disabilities.

The proposed measure would remove the need for repeated ID renewals among qualified cardholders, reducing administrative difficulties in accessing their benefits.

Tulfo also highlighted legislative efforts to make tourist destinations more accessible to PWDs and senior citizens.

His Senate Bill No. 1830 was incorporated into Senate Bill No. 1988, or the proposed Barrier-Free and Inclusive Tourism Act, which seeks to improve accessibility in tourism establishments and destinations.

The senator maintained that legislative action is necessary to translate public concern about discrimination into meaningful improvements in the daily lives of persons with disabilities.

Podcast network terminates contract following backlash

The lawmakers' statements came as Machong Chismisan faced mounting criticism over the episode, which included offensive comments about Aquino and comparisons involving his younger brother, Bimby.

Clips from the discussion circulated online, drawing condemnation from public personalities, disability advocates, and social media users.

The podcast subsequently removed the episode and issued an apology.

On October 15, The Pod Network announced that it had terminated its contract with Machong Chismisan and removed the program from its roster with immediate effect.

The network's decision followed earlier statements acknowledging concerns about the treatment of persons with disabilities in content distributed through its platform.

Public ridicule of PWDs prohibited under Philippine law

The controversy has also renewed attention to Republic Act No. 9442, which amended the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities.

The law prohibits public ridicule and vilification on the basis of disability and provides penalties for violations.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) likewise reminded the public and content creators that discriminatory statements involving persons with disabilities can have legal consequences.

DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized that individuals with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, must be treated with dignity and respect.

While existing laws already provide protections against discrimination, Hontiveros and Tulfo maintained that advancing pending legislation remains essential to improving the services, accessibility, and opportunities available to the PWD community.

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