‘Machong Chismisan’ Hosts Face NBI Probe Over Remarks on Kris Aquino’s Son
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will summon the hosts of the Machong Chismisan podcast over their controversial remarks about Josh Aquino, the son of actress Kris Aquino, who is on the autism spectrum.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed the planned action in a Viber message on Thursday. He said the bureau would investigate the remarks, which drew criticism for being insensitive toward Josh and his condition.
The planned subpoenas will require the podcast hosts to appear before investigators and provide information about the incident. The NBI aims to examine the circumstances surrounding the statements and determine whether there are grounds for possible legal action.
The issue gained public attention after the hosts made comments about Josh during an episode of Machong Chismisan. Their remarks sparked widespread criticism from netizens and public figures, who called for greater respect toward persons with disabilities.
The controversy has also raised concerns about the responsibility of content creators and podcast hosts when discussing sensitive personal matters. Critics have stressed that public discussions involving people with disabilities should be handled carefully, particularly when comments could cause harm or encourage discrimination.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world. The growing backlash has renewed calls for public figures and online personalities to show understanding and respect when discussing people on the autism spectrum.
As of the latest announcement, the NBI has not identified the specific laws it may consider in its investigation. The bureau has also yet to provide further details about the next steps in the case.
A subpoena is a legal order requiring someone to appear before authorities or provide information relevant to an investigation. However, being summoned does not automatically mean that a person has committed a crime or will face charges.
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