The hosts of the podcast “Machong Chismisan” have shared their side of the story after facing intense backlash from social media users.
Photo: Machong Chismisan via The Pod Network
In a now-deleted episode published on October 5, Tito P, one of the hosts, compared Kris Aquino’s sons, Bimby Aquino and Josh Aquino, saying, “Si Bimby, sobrang okay na anak, si Josh, walang kwenta eh.”
One of the hosts also shared an alleged story that Josh received a daily school allowance of ₱3,000. Tito P then remarked, “Tapos, nakatunganga lang siyang ganoon?”
While host Lawrence Vivar expressed discomfort with the conversation and described the remark as a “low blow,” the other participants laughed along with the comments.
The clip quickly drew widespread attention on social media, with netizens condemning the hosts for ridiculing Josh and criticizing how their remarks reflected a lack of sensitivity and empathy toward persons with disabilities.
The hosts’ side of the story
In a public statement, “Machong Chismisan” announced that they have taken down the specific episode.
Makoy Pare, the host of the podcast, acknowledged that their remarks were “inexcusably insensitive and hurtful.”
“We would like to extend our apologies to everyone that was offended in our episode. We would also like to apologize to The PWD Community,” Makoy Pare said. “We would also like to extend our apologies to those mentioned in the episode, and will reach out through private channels to determine how we can proceed and make amends in a respectful manner.”
He clarified that they had no intention to “malign” or “punch down” on others for the sake of gaining traction among viewers.
“We cannot always make everyone laugh, but we will always ensure that those who actually listen will not forget that laughter is the goal. Even if it is not always the result,” he added.
Meanwhile, in a separate post, Tito P acknowledged that his remarks about Josh Aquino were “hurtful” not only to Josh but also to others who could relate to his condition.
He said he could “relate” to Josh, as he had also been diagnosed as neurodivergent.
“I can relate to him and to those affected as someone who has also been diagnosed as neurodivergent. While this does not excuse my hurtful words or the laughter that followed, I hope people will consider that I was not coming from a place of malice or hurtful intent,” he wrote.
He also shared that filtering his thoughts could be “difficult” because he has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
“An edgy joke might pop into my head, and before my executive functioning can evaluate the social risk, it has already been said aloud. I share this not to excuse my behavior, but to provide context,” he said. “It took the public backlash for me to realize where the joke was coming from. But that is how people learn.”
In his statement, Tito P also said he would reach out directly to those affected by his insensitive remarks.
“I will continue to hear helpful and professional advice as to how to make myself more accountable and more respectful in the future,” he assured social media users. “As for everyone else, I sincerely hope that cut portions of the episode would not be used to malign, hurt, or disparage anyone. Or to summon negative feelings from those who would not have heard the clip had it not gone viral.”
The Pod Network’s next move
The Pod Network has officially cut ties with “Machong Chismisan” after their controversial podcast episode.
In an official statement, the network confirmed that they have removed the show from its current lineup.
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“We have formally terminated our contract with the Machong Chismisan podcast, and are consequently removing the show from the network, effective immediately,” the statement read.
In a separate statement, the network vowed that it would review its editorial guidelines across its shows to ensure that the same mistake won’t happen again.
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“We are formalizing editorial guidelines across all TPN shows on how we can handle disability, mental health, minors, and family members of public figures, and other sensitive topics,” it said.
It added: “We take these concerns seriously. Persons with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals deserve dignity and respect, and that includes how they are talked about on our shows. We are sorry for the hurt this has caused.
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