Tulfo calls for strict PWD rights enforcement amid podcast controversy

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Erwin Tulfo on Monday pressed the need for a more effective implementation of laws that protect persons with disabilities (PWDs) after a derogatory remark was made against Joshua “Josh” Aquino in a podcast.

Tulfo sought a review to the implementation of the laws, including the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities that prohibits mocking, or uttering slanderous statements against PWDs, after Aquino became the subject of such remarks in a now-deleted episode of “Machong Chismisan” podcast.

“Kung ang isang PWD mula sa isang kilalang pamilya ay maaaring makaranas ng ganitong diskriminasyon, paano pa kaya ang ating mga ordinaryong kababayan na may kapansanan na araw-araw humaharap sa diskriminasyon?” Tulfo, head of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, emphasized.

(If a PWD from a prominent family can experience this kind of discrimination, what about our ordinary countrymen with disabilities who face discrimination every day?)

He continued: “This incident underscores the need not only for responsible public discourse, but also for the effective implementation of laws that protect PWDs. The existence of laws is not enough. Their protections must be felt in everyday life through accessible public spaces, services, and equal opportunities, and the removal of physical, institutional, and administrative barriers.”

READ: 1PWD party-list seeks NBI help vs Machong Chismisan hosts, producers

Josh, the son of media personality Kris Aquino and grandson of the late former President Corazon Aquino and former Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. was described as “walang kwenta” (useless) in the said podcast, which has been terminated and dropped by its producer, The Pod Network.

Several lawmakers, civil society groups and other media personalities have criticized the podcast host Tito Patrioto or “Tito P” who has since apologized for his “hurtful words.”

“The recent controversy involving the Machong Chismisan podcast and its remarks about Josh Aquino is a reminder that discrimination against persons with disabilities remains a serious concern,” Tulfo stressed. 

“Again, I would like to emphasize hindi po ginagawang biro o punchline ang kapansananan. A person’s disability must never be a source of ridicule, laughter, or a reason to diminish their worth and dignity,” the senator added.

(“Again, I would like to emphasize that disability is not a joke or a punchline. A person’s disability must never be a source of ridicule, laughter, or a reason to diminish their worth and dignity.) /jpv