All it took was a 26-second clip to put Machong Chismisan in the spotlight—but not for the reasons its hosts might have hoped.
That is the power of social media: it can make you the talk of the town in an instant, only to turn that attention into backlash just as quickly.
The controversy stemmed from a comment about Kris Aquino's son Josh Aquino, who is on the autism spectrum.
On the October 15, 2026, episode of Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, veteran television host Boy Abunda condemned the remarks and said he would advise Kris to pursue legal action.
“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! Dahil ito ay labag sa batas,” Tito Boy said.
The Autism Society Philippines also responded to the controversy, citing Republic Act No. 9442, which prohibits the public ridicule and vilification of persons with disabilities.
Read: Boy Abunda backs Kris Aquino if she sues podcast hosts over Josh
So, who are the five men in Machong Chismisan’s Season 29, Episode 20, titled “Ang Pagbabalik ni Kris Aquino,” and what did each of them say or do?
Read: Machong Chismisan podcast hosts apologize for mocking Josh Aquino
WHO ARE THE FIVE MEN IN THE VIRAL MACHONG CHISMISAN EPISODE?
MAKOY PARE
Makoy Pare is the host of the long-running podcast.
He introduces himself at the beginning of each episode as a “showbiz bro, corporate slave, resident macho-next-door.”
During the exchange about Josh, Makoy was heard laughing while cussing alongside the other participants.
Following the backlash, the podcast issued an apology acknowledging that some remarks made during the deleted episode were hurtful.
“There has never been any intention to malign or punch down for the sake of likes or views, nor to raise ourselves to be a platform where the people speaking are always correct, or always funny.
“However, it has since become clear to us that some remarks made during the deleted episode were inexcusably insensitive and hurtful,” the statement read.
The podcast pledged to review future episodes more carefully and intervene when remarks could hurt individuals or groups.
“We will carry on knowing that while we cannot please everyone, we can be held accountable and strive to better ourselves.
“We cannot always make everyone laugh, but we will always ensure that those who actually listen will not forget that laughter is the goal. Even if it is not always the result,” the statement continued.
Read: Netizens call out Machong Chismisan podcast for mocking Kris Aquino’s son Josh
But at around 1 A.M. today, The Pod Network announced through a Facebook post that it "formally terminated" its contract with the Machong Chismisan podcast, and "is consequently removing the show from the network, effective immediately."
TITO P
Tito P, also known as Tito Patrioto, is Machong Chismisan's co-host. His introduction on the podcast describes him as the “pinakamabangis, pinakamalakas.”
During the exchange, Tito P said: “Si Bimby, sobrang okay na anak. Si Josh, walang kuwenta, e.”
In his subsequent statement, Tito P acknowledged that his remarks had hurt people, including those who relate to Josh’s condition and those with loved ones on the autism spectrum.
He stated: “Regrettably, I made remarks that were disparaging toward Josh Aquino and hurt many people who relate to his condition as a person on the autism spectrum, as well as those who have loved ones like him.”
Tito P also disclosed that he has ADHD, explaining that impulse control can affect his ability to filter his thoughts.
“As someone with ADHD, impulse control can make filtering thoughts difficult.
“An edgy joke might pop into my head, and before my executive functioning can evaluate the social risk, it has already been said aloud,” he wrote.
He clarified that he was providing context, not an excuse for his behavior.
Read: Kris Aquino promises to "fight until the end" for her sons
DANIEL LAWRENCE VIVAR
Lawrence Vivar, also known as LV or the “Engineer Triathlete,” is a content creator who had reportedly been part of the podcast’s regular line-up for only a few episodes when the controversy erupted.
On the show, he is introduced as the “Sir Chief of the podcasting world,” a reference to his chinito features. He is also a sneakerhead with an extensive shoe collection.
During the viral exchange, Lawrence said: “Guys, kinu-callout namin si Tito P. Medyo low blow iyan, down iyan, ah.”
In his personal statement, Lawrence maintained that he disagreed with his co-host’s remarks and called them out during the recording.
He wrote: “As one of the co-hosts of the podcast, I would like to take full accountability on my participation regarding a clip that is going viral.
“As seen in the said podcast recording video, I have called out my co-host on the spot, because I did not agree with the statements said.”
He also clarified that he did not intend to make fun of persons with special needs, while acknowledging that his laughter and participation could have been perceived differently.
“I take full accountability on my part. I apologize for any offenses, harm that it may have caused to offended parties. Moving forward, I promise to do better,” he said.
Lawrence concluded his statement with a reminder about the responsibilities of comedians: “As a comedian, we draw the line and we should never punch down.”
Read: Kris Aquino returns to the screen as Netflix's new C.H.I.K.A.
RJ CARBONELL
RJ Carbonell was one of the guests in the episode.
During his introduction, Lawrence described him as “one of the best young stand-up comedians of Comedy Manila," a comedy production group that stages live shows featuring local and international acts and provides opportunities for stand-up comedians through open-mic performances.
He is also a “former Bumble enthusiast," referring to his past use of the dating and relationship app.
RJ has gained attention online for his crowd-work videos, including a clip in which he encounters a former Bumble match in the audience during a performance.
In the viral exchange, RJ was the one who brought up Josh’s alleged school allowance.
“Di ba yung baon daw ni Josh araw-araw sa school, PHP3,000 a day?” he asked.
Tito P then responded: “Tapos nakatunganga lang siya don!”
As of this writing, RJ has not publicly issued a statement.
JUAN PAULO MOJICA
Juan Paulo, also known as JPM, was another participant in the episode. He was seated on the leftmost side of the group and wore a black shirt during the recording.
An architect by profession, JPM is also associated with sketch comedy.
He has appeared in content connected to Pencilbox Comedy Studio—a Filipino comedy group and content creator known for viral sketches, reels, and live performances.
He is known online as the character Baklastikman, who is featured in an ongoing sketch series for Pencilbox Comedy Studio.
During the viral exchange, JPM responded: “Di natin alam iyan, wala ako sa bahay nila e.”
Like RJ Carbonell, JPM has yet to issue a public statement about the incident as of this writing.
Read: Kris Aquino on her 55th birthday: “Praying to reach 60.”