The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod has approved a resolution strongly condemning the derogatory, insensitive, and discriminatory remarks directed against Joshua “Josh” Aquino, son of television personality Kris Aquino, during an episode of the Machong Chismisan podcast.
The resolution, authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, chairperson of the SP Committee on Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Affairs, also denounces all forms of public ridicule, vilification, and discrimination against PWDs, and calls for greater accountability among media practitioners, podcasters, and digital content creators.
The resolution stemmed from reports that Josh Aquino, who is on the autism spectrum, was subjected to disparaging remarks during the podcast episode entitled “Ang Pagbabalik ni Kris Aquino”, including the reported use of the expression “walang kwenta”.
Although the individuals involved have reportedly apologized and removed the controversial episode, Distrito emphasized that the incident should serve as a reminder that disability must never become a subject of public humiliation or entertainment.
“No person with a disability is useless. The worth of a human being should never be measured by physical ability, intellectual capacity, productivity, or social status. Every person, regardless of disability, possesses inherent dignity and deserves to be treated with respect, compassion, and equality,” he stressed in a press release Oct. 27.
“What happened to Josh Aquino is not simply an issue involving a celebrity’s family. It is an issue that affects the entire PWD community and the thousands of families who continue to struggle against discrimination and harmful stereotypes,” Distrito added.
Under the approved resolution, the SP calls upon podcasters, vloggers, social media influencers, broadcasters, and other content creators to exercise greater responsibility and sensitivity in their public statements.
It likewise urges the National Council on Disability Affairs, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and other concerned government agencies to assess the incident and determine whether appropriate action is warranted under Republic Act 7277, or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, as amended by RA 9442, which prohibits public ridicule and vilification of persons with disabilities, subject to applicable law and due process.
Distrito further emphasized that freedom of expression carries with it a corresponding responsibility to respect the rights and dignity of others. “Freedom of speech is a fundamental right, but it should never be used as an excuse to demean, ridicule, or discriminate against persons with disabilities.”
Words have consequences, especially when spoken by individuals with large audiences. Public personalities and content creators must understand that their platforms carry a responsibility to promote understanding rather than prejudice, inclusion rather than discrimination, he said.
The resolution also encourages disability awareness and sensitivity campaigns in schools, government offices, barangays, media organizations, and communities, particularly on autism awareness, respectful communication, and responsible digital citizenship.
Distrito reiterated his commitment to strengthening programs and policies that promote the protection, empowerment, inclusion, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in Bacolod. ||
