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One of the hosts of the “Machong Chismisan” podcast appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday in response to a subpoena over remarks made about Joshua Aquino, son of actress Kris Aquino.
Content creator and podcast host Daniel Lawrence Vivar arrived at the NBI office in Pasay City shortly after 1 p.m., accompanied by his lawyer, according to a report by Sam Nielsen of Super Radyo dzBB. Vivar declined to comment to reporters.
Meanwhile, fellow host Tito P was unable to attend the scheduled proceeding due to his health condition, according to a report by John Consulta of GMA News.
In a letter to the NBI, Tito P’s lawyer said his client could not attend because the proceedings could aggravate his attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder.
The NBI summoned the podcast hosts as part of an investigation into possible violations of Republic Act No. 7277, as amended by Republic Act No. 9442, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, particularly its provisions prohibiting the public ridicule and vilification of persons with disabilities.
The bureau is also looking into possible cyber libel under Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag earlier said an apology from the podcast members would not be enough to absolve them of potential criminal liability.
The controversy stemmed from a viral episode, which has since been deleted, in which the hosts made disparaging remarks about Joshua Aquino.
Following the backlash, the show was dropped by The Pod Network and became unavailable on Spotify.
Under the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, public ridicule and vilification of persons with disabilities are punishable by a fine of P5,000 to P100,000, imprisonment of six months to two years, or both. — MCG, GMA News
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