Only One ‘Machong Chismisan’ Host Appears Before NBI
Only one of the five hosts of the podcast Machong Chismisan appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on October 20 over their controversial remarks about Joshua Aquino, the son of Kris Aquino, who has autism.
Content creator and podcast host Daniel Lawrence Vivar arrived at the NBI office in Pasay City shortly after 1 p.m., accompanied by his lawyer. He declined to answer questions from reporters about the investigation.
Meanwhile, co-host Tito P was unable to attend because of health concerns. According to a report by John Consulta, his lawyer informed the NBI that attending the hearing could worsen his attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder.
The NBI summoned the five hosts to investigate possible violations of the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, which protects people with disabilities from discrimination. Authorities are also looking into possible cyber libel under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The controversy started after a now-deleted episode of Machong Chismisan went viral on social media. During the episode, some hosts made insulting remarks about Joshua, including calling him useless. Their comments drew criticism from netizens and raised concerns about how people with disabilities are treated online.
The investigation aims to determine whether the hosts’ statements violated existing laws. However, the inquiry does not mean that the hosts have been found guilty of any offense.
The four remaining hosts are expected to appear before the NBI as the investigation continues. Authorities will assess the statements and available evidence to determine whether further legal action is necessary.
The incident has also sparked discussions about responsible online content and the importance of respecting people with disabilities. The case highlights how public statements made through podcasts and social media can lead to legal scrutiny when they may violate existing laws.
