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The Pod Network has terminated its contract with comedy podcast Machong Chismisan following the backlash over its hosts' remarks about Kris Aquino's eldest son, Josh Aquino, who is in the autism spectrum.

In a statement posted on social media on Thursday, October 15, the podcast network announced that the decision would take effect immediately.

“We have formally terminated our contract with the Machong Chismisan podcast, and are consequently removing the show from the network, effective immediately,” the statement read.

The move came after a clip from a now-deleted episode of Machong Chismisan circulated online, drawing criticism over comments made about Josh and comparisons between him and his younger brother, Bimby.

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Titled “Ang Pagbabalik Ni Kris Aquino,” the episode featured remarks dismissing Josh as “walang kuwenta,” while the hosts were heard laughing during the discussion. The comments sparked criticism from viewers and renewed conversations about respect for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Television host Boy Abunda also expressed his dismay over the remarks during Wednesday's episode of Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.

Describing the comments as hurtful, Boy said the incident affected not only Josh and the Aquino family but also other families raising children with disabilities.

“Habang pinapanood ko po ang clip na ito, hind ko alam how these bunch of podcasters - na mukhang matatalino, edukado ay magagawa ang ganitong ka-cruel na komentaryo,” Abunda said.

He took particular issue with the comparison between Josh and Bimby, emphasizing that Josh deserves the same dignity and respect as anyone else.

“Alam n'yo po, ang masakit ay ang... he was compared to Bimb. 'Nakatunganga lamang, walang kwenta' - and you are talking about a young man with disability. You are talking about a special boy,” he said.

Boy also recalled visiting Kris in the United States and learning about Josh's role in their household, where he would gather family members to lead their daily prayer.

“Alam n'yo po ba kung ano ang assignment ni Josh? Sa bawat simula ng araw, he would gather everybody in the house and he will lead the prayer. Hindi po 'Walang silbi' si Josh - mali po ang inyong ginawa. Labag sa batas ng Diyos at sa batas ng tao ang inyong ginawa. Napakasakit,” he said.

The veteran host added that the comments could be especially painful for families who care for children with disabilities. He also said he would advise Kris to pursue legal action if she asked for his opinion.

“Ako, if Kris would ask me? We haven't had a chance to speak about this. I will tell her, go to court, Idemanda mo!” Boy said.

He ended his remarks by expressing his affection for Josh, whom he described as a fine young man.

“I am sorry for what have happened to Josh. I love you, Josh, if you are watching. I saw him grow up, he's a fine young man,” he said.

RELATED GALLERY: Showbiz personalities defend Josh Aquino against negative remark

Before The Pod Network announced the termination of its contract, the network had issued an apology over the episode and acknowledged its responsibility as a platform that distributes content.

It also emphasized that persons with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals deserve dignity and respect, including in the way they are discussed on its programs.

Meanwhile, Machong Chismisan confirmed that it had removed the episode, which was published on October 5, and stopped promoting clips from the installment.

In its own statement, the podcast acknowledged that some of the remarks were hurtful and apologized to those offended, the PWD community.

READ: Podcast hosts, humingi ng paumanhin kaugnay ng viral joke nila sa anak ni Kris Aquino