Laguna 1st District Rep. Ann Matibag has called for greater sensitivity in public discourse involving persons with disabilities, saying that remarks presented as humor should not diminish their dignity or rights.
“Disability is never a punchline. Cruelty is never comedy. and silence in the face of discrimination is never acceptable,” Matibag said.
Her statement came amid continued online discussion over remarks involving Josh Aquino, the eldest son of showbiz personality Kris Aquino, during a recent episode of the podcast “Machong Chismisan.”
The comments about Josh, who has autism, have drawn attention online, with portions of the podcast circulating on social media. Matibag said the issue should be viewed beyond the personalities involved and as part of a broader discussion on how persons with disabilities are treated in public spaces.
“As a mother, I am deeply angered by the public ridicule directed at Josh Aquino, a person with disability. As children’s advocate and a woman leader, I find it appalling that grown men would turn someone disability into entertainment,” said Matibag, chairperson of Committee on Women and Gender Equality in the House of Representatives.
Matibag also pointed to existing legal protections for persons with disabilities, particularly against public ridicule and vilification.
“Our laws, particularly RA 7277 as amended by RA 9442, expressly prohibit public ridicule and vilification of persons with disabilities. Calling it a joke does not erase responsibility or accountability,” she said.
The lawmaker said discussions involving persons with disabilities should be approached with the same regard for dignity expected in other public conversations, particularly when the person being discussed may have limited ability to respond.
“There is nothing funny, brave, or masculine about mocking someone who may not be in a position to defend himself.”
Matibag also raised the issue of how notions of masculinity can influence public discourse, particularly when humor involves another person’s vulnerability.
“As a woman, I reject a culture of toxic masculinity that mistakes humiliation for strength and cruelty for humor,” added Matibag.
“That is not humor. That is cruelty,” stressed the Laguna lawmaker.
Matibag said her position extends beyond the Aquino family and includes other families seeking respect and protection for loved ones with disabilities.
“I stand with Josh Aquino, his mother Kris, and every family fighting for the dignity and protection of their loved ones,” declared Matibag, stressing that this not simply about one podcast or one offensive remark.
“It is about the kind of society we choose to become. We cannot speak of inclusion and equality while tolerating the humiliation of persons with disabilities,” she said.
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