PWD advocacy group files NBI complaint over podcast hosts' remarks

MANILA — The 1PWD party-list group has filed a formal complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation against the hosts and producers of the podcast "Machong Chismisan," which was recently taken off air following controversy over remarks deemed offensive to the disability community.

The complaint centers on comments made on the program that mocked Kris Aquino's son, Josh Aquino, who is on the autism spectrum. The PWD advocacy organization said the podcast hosts' remarks violated the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities and called for accountability from those responsible for the program's content.

The move follows the party-list group's earlier public condemnation of the podcast. The cancellation of "Machong Chismisan" came after the incident drew scrutiny from disability advocates and members of the public who criticized the hosts' conduct.

1PWD party-list Representative JD Arrogancia and other advocates have maintained that such remarks perpetuate harmful stereotypes about individuals with autism and other disabilities. The group said the NBI complaint aims to ensure that media personalities are held accountable for content that demeans vulnerable sectors of society.

The complaint represents an escalation in efforts by disability advocates to enforce accountability standards in entertainment and media programming, particularly regarding commentary about individuals with developmental conditions.