Designer Michael Leyva calls out ‘Machong Chismisan’ podcast for mocking Kris Aquino’s son Josh

Fashion designer Michael Leyva has called out the all-male hosts of the comedy podcast “Machong Chismisan” for mocking Joshua “Josh” Aquino, the eldest son of actress-host Kris Aquino, who is autistic. Josh is Aquino's son with actor Philip Salvador.

Leyva, a close family friend of the Aquinos, took to social media on Wednesday, October 14, to express his disappointment and anger over the hosts’ remarks after a clip from the podcast circulated online.

Sharing the clip, Leyva wrote, “HINDI NAKAKATUWA! NAKAKAGALIT!”

“I just found out that there’s a video circulating online of these grown men making fun of Kuya Joshua Aquino,” he said.

“Making Kuya Josh the subject of your so-called ‘Machong Chismisan’ podcast and mocking his disability is not something that I or any of us should simply let slide,” Leyva added.

He also defended the 31-year-old, describing him as a genuinely kind and intelligent person who deserves compassion and support rather than hurtful remarks.

“It is not funny, and it will never be funny,” he emphasized.

Leyva also questioned the reported removal of the episode from the podcast’s YouTube channel, pointing out that deleting the video would not undo the harm caused by the remarks.

“The internet keeps receipts. Good luck,” he added.

Although the full episode has been removed from the group’s page on October 14, clips have continued to circulate after being reposted by netizens on social media.

The controversy originated from the October 5 episode of Machong Chismisan, titled “Ang Pagbabalik ni Kris Aquino” (Season 29, Episode 20). During the discussion, co-host Tito Patrioto, also known as Tito P, compared Josh with his younger brother, Bimby.

While describing Bimby as a good son, Tito P made a derogatory remark about Josh. “Si Bimby sobrang okay na anak. Si Josh walang kwenta e. Naka-gano’n lang oh,” he said while laughing.

The hosts also discussed a claim that Josh received a daily school allowance of ₱3,000 before ridiculing him for supposedly doing little. 

 “Tapos nakatunganga lang siya doon.” Other hosts and participants could also be heard cursing during the discussion.

 At one point, another host appeared to call out Tito P for crossing the line. “Guys, kino-call out namin si Tito P. Medyo low blow, down ‘yan ah,” the host said. However, the other men burst into laughter, drawing further criticism over their reaction to the insensitive remarks.

The clip quickly circulated online, prompting netizens to call out the five male hosts for their lack of sensitivity toward Josh and people with disabilities.

Leyva’s criticism was echoed by other personalities, including Boy Abunda and John Lapus, who also expressed their disappointment and defended Josh.

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) likewise condemned the comments and called for greater sensitivity and respect toward people with autism.

The organization cited Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, which prohibits public ridicule and vilification of persons with disabilities. Certain violations may be punishable by fines or imprisonment.

As the backlash mounted, “Machong Chismisan” host Makoy Pare issued an apology on behalf of the podcast and confirmed that the October 5 episode had been taken down.

In a statement released on Wednesday, October 14, Pare acknowledged that some of the remarks made during the episode were “inexcusably insensitive and hurtful.”

The hosts also apologized to the Aquino family, the public, and the persons with disabilities (PWD) community. They pledged to review future episodes more carefully and address potentially offensive remarks during recordings.

“We will carry on knowing that while we cannot please everyone, we can be held accountable and strive to better ourselves,” the statement read.

The statement also emphasized the podcast’s intention to entertain, adding, “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.”

Tito P also issued a separate apology, expressing regret for his disparaging comments about Josh and the laughter that followed.

He acknowledged that his remarks had hurt autistic people and their loved ones. He also shared that he had been diagnosed with ADHD and sometimes struggled with impulse control, explaining that this contributed to his difficulty filtering his thoughts.

However, he stressed that this was not an "excuse for his behavior" and said the public backlash made him realize the impact of his words. 

Tito P also apologized to his co-hosts, The Pod Network, and others affected by the controversy. He said he was reaching out to those directly hurt by his remarks to offer personal apologies and would continue seeking professional guidance to become more accountable and respectful.

The Pod Network, which produces the show, also issued an apology and announced that it had terminated its contract with "Machong Chismisan. "

Kris has yet to comment on the controversy as of this writing.