The Pod Network has officially terminated its contract with the Machong Chismisan podcast and immediately removed the show from its network following a controversy over remarks made about Josh Aquino, the eldest son of actress Kris Aquino, who has special needs.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the podcast producer confirmed that its partnership with the show had been terminated, effective immediately.
The controversy erupted after a clip from an episode of Machong Chismisan circulated online, showing a host calling Josh “walang kwenta” while praising his younger brother, Bimby, as a good son.
The remark was followed by laughter from several of the hosts, drawing criticism from netizens.
Another host subsequently called out the comment, describing it as a “low blow” before other members of the group were heard laughing.
In its statement, The Pod Network stressed that persons with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, including in how they are discussed and portrayed in media programs.
Meanwhile, some of the personalities involved in the episode have already issued apologies, while the network also expressed regret to those affected by the incident.
