Kris Aquino comes to son Josh's defense as Boy Abunda urges litigation after mockery

Kris Aquino has broken her silence after a host of the comedy podcast “Machong Chismisan” made insulting remarks about her eldest son, Joshua “Josh” Aquino, who is autistic. 

Veteran television host Boy Abunda has also spoken out in Josh’s defense, expressing anger over the comments and saying he would advise Kris to take legal action if she sought his opinion.

In an Instagram post published the day after the controversy erupted, the actress-host explained why she had chosen not to respond immediately to what she described as “irresponsible and uninformed opinions.” 

“Many of you may have wondered why I gave no statement to what were irresponsible and uninformed opinions. A friend who I admire for his wisdom told me there are people I should learn not to give oxygen to, in other words, ignore, and the issue dies a natural death. By never stating their names or my feelings, they didn't get the word war from me they were expecting,” she wrote.

Rather than engage in a public exchange with the podcast hosts, Kris chose to share a more personal side of her life with her sons. She explained how Josh and his younger brother, Bimby, take turns taking care of her.

“But to set the record straight, Kuya is with me during our afternoon siesta, although mine stretches to 4 hours. When he sees Bimb going to his computer, Kuya knows it's his shift,” Kris shared.   

She also described the bond she shares with Josh and how he helps look after her during the week.

“And he loves to say: Mama, your shoulder's here. I sleep best with my head resting on Kuya's shoulder and my arms wrapped around his left arm. It's difficult because he can't move but Monday to Friday Kuya Josh does his share to take care of his mama,” she added. 

Kris' post came after a controversial segment in the October 5 episode of “Machong Chismisan,” titled “Ang Pagbabalik ni Kris Aquino.” During the episode, co-host Tito Patrioto, also known as Tito P, compared Josh with his younger brother, Bimby, and made a derogatory remark about him.            

“Si Bimby, sobrang okay na anak. Si Josh, walang kwenta e,” Tito P said.

He also commented on Josh's reported school allowance, adding, “Tapos nakatunganga siya doon,” while the other hosts laughed in the background.

The remarks triggered widespread backlash from the public and celebrities. Among those who condemned the comments were entertainment personalities Aiko Melendez, Troy Montero, Albie Casiño, and Paolo Contis. Professionals, politicians, and advocacy groups and organizations also condemned the comments.

Following the public outcry, the episode was deleted, and the hosts issued apologies. The Pod Network, which produces the show, also apologized and announced that it had terminated its contract with “Machong Chismisan.”

Boy was particularly vocal in his criticism of the incident. On his program “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” the veteran television host expressed deep anger over the remarks and questioned how people who appeared intelligent and educated could make such cruel comments about a person with a disability.

“Nakakagalit at ang dami kong katanungan. Habang pinapanood ko ang clip hindi ko alam how this bunch of podcasters na mukhang matatalino, edukado, ay magagawa ang ganitong ka-cruel na komentaryo,” Boy said. “And you are talking to a young man with disability. You are talking with a special boy.”

Boy also defended Josh, saying he would advise Kris to sue if she asked for his opinion.

“Ako, if Kris would ask me? I will tell her, go to court. Idemanda mo! Dahil ito ay labag sa batas,” Abunda stated.

He stressed that a person's disability should never be a source of ridicule or a punchline for entertainment.