Bacolod City Rep. Alfredo Benitez condemned the discriminatory remarks made against Josh Aquino in a now-deleted episode of the comedy podcast “Maching Chismisan.”
Benitez said freedom of expression should not be used to demean persons with disabilities, stressing that insulting jokes about people on the autism spectrum promote discrimination and undermine human dignity.
The controversy stemmed from the podcast episode titled “Ang Pagbabalik ni Kris Aquino,” published on October 5, in which host Tito P mocked Josh’s physical posture and called him “walang kwenta.”
As the author of House Bill No. 3379, or the National Autism Care, Support and Inclusion Act, Benitez emphasized that people with autism deserve understanding, equal opportunities, and acceptance.
He urged the public to practice compassion and inclusion, stressing that no one should be made to feel worthless for being different.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 16, 2026
BENITEZ CALLS OUT ‘CRUELTY’ TOWARD JOSH AQUINO, STRESSES AUTISM ACCEPTANCE
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