Senators push PWD rights bills after Josh Aquino mockery

MANILA – Senators Risa Hontiveros and Erwin Tulfo said Thursday that the public ridicule of Joshua “Josh” Aquino underscores the need to protect persons with disabilities (PWDs) through greater respect, understanding, and stronger policies that promote inclusion and equal opportunities.

The lawmakers condemned offensive remarks made about Aquino, who is on the autism spectrum, during an episode of the Machong Chismisan podcast, stressing that disabilities must never become a source of entertainment.

“They are not a punchline, and their lives should not be fodder for ridicule, whether on air, online, or in private conversation,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

Hontiveros emphasized that the country already has laws protecting the dignity of PWDs, alongside pending legislation intended to strengthen their access to essential services.

She cited the National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act, which she sponsored and which the Senate unanimously approved on third reading in March.

The measure, embodied in Senate Bill No. 1822, seeks to establish a comprehensive national plan for persons with autism, covering early detection, healthcare, therapy, inclusive education, and social protection.

It was transmitted to the House of Representatives following its approval by the Senate.

Hontiveros maintained that public personalities and content creators have a responsibility to treat vulnerable members of society with dignity.

Beyond condemnation

Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, questioned how ordinary Filipinos with disabilities are treated if even those belonging to prominent families are subjected to public ridicule.

“Kung nagagawa ito sa mga PWD na mula sa mga kilalang pamilya, paano pa kaya ang diskriminasyon sa mga ordinaryong Pilipino na PWD? (If this can happen to PWDs from prominent families, how much more discrimination do ordinary Filipino PWDs face?)” he said.

Tulfo stressed that disability is not something individuals choose and must never be used to humiliate them.

He cited Senate Bill No. 1405, which proposes lifetime validity for identification cards issued to persons with permanent disabilities, eliminating the burden of repeated renewals.

The senator also pointed to his Senate Bill No. 1830, which was incorporated into a consolidated measure promoting accessible tourism facilities for PWDs and senior citizens.

The resulting Senate Bill No. 1988, or the proposed Barrier-Free and Inclusive Tourism Act, seeks to ensure that tourism destinations are accessible to individuals with disabilities and older persons.

Tulfo said the controversy underscores the continuing need to advance policies that make inclusion a reality rather than merely condemn discriminatory behavior.

The remarks followed widespread criticism of the podcast’s hosts, who apologized after clips of their discussion about Aquino circulated online.

On Thursday, The Pod Network announced that it had terminated its contract with Machong Chismisan and removed the program from its roster effective immediately.

Republic Act No. 9442, which amended the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, already prohibits public ridicule and vilification based on disability, with corresponding penalties for violations. (Wilnard Bacelonia/PNA)