Tito P Cites ADHD & Bipolar Disorder After Failing to Appear at NBI
TITO P – ADHD and bipolar disorder were cited by Tito P in a letter explaining why he could not attend the NBI probe into the controversial remarks about Kris Aquino’s son.
Tito P, one of the hosts of the online podcast “Machong Chismisan,” failed to appear at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday, October 20, after receiving an invitation related to the controversy surrounding their podcast episode about Kris Aquino’s return.
Instead of attending the scheduled investigation, Tito P submitted a letter through his lawyer explaining that he could not appear because doing so might worsen his existing medical conditions. He reportedly cited attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder as reasons for his absence.
The controversy stemmed from the podcast episode titled “Ang Pagbabalik Ni Kris Aquino,” in which the hosts allegedly made insulting remarks about the eldest son of the Queen of All Media, Kris Aquino. Tito P reportedly described the young man as worthless and compared him with his younger brother, Bimb, prompting criticism over the comments involving a person with autism.
In an earlier official statement, the podcast host also disclosed that he had been diagnosed as neurodivergent due to ADHD.
However, John Darnell of the 1PWD Partylist said authorities wanted to verify Tito P’s claimed diagnoses because the letter reportedly did not include supporting medical documents.
“We have to verify kung talaga bang diagnosed si Tito P na sinasabi niyang bipolar and ADHD kasi wala naman attachement ‘yung letter. So we love to see them,” Darnell said.
He also stressed that a medical condition should not be used to avoid accountability for allegedly offensive remarks directed at persons with disabilities.
“It will never be an excuse. So hindi po natin hahayaan na gamitin din ‘yung kapansanan para makalusot sila sa ginawa nila sa mga may kapansanan.”
The NBI summoned the hosts of “Machong Chismisan” as part of its investigation into possible violations of Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, in connection with their comments about Josh, who has autism.
NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag emphasized that the investigation would continue regardless of the hosts’ attendance.
“Kung hindi man po sila dumating, ang pagbabasehan pa rin po natin dito ‘yung kanilang mismong podcast at tsaka ‘yung nangyari.”
Among the podcast hosts, only Lawrence Vibar appeared at the NBI Cybercrime Division on Tuesday, accompanied by his legal counsel, Atty. Pio Garayblas.
The investigation is expected to focus on the podcast episode and the circumstances surrounding the controversial statements. The allegations remain subject to the findings of the authorities.
READ ALSO: Machong Chismisan: Only One of Five Hosts Appears Before NBI Over Josh Aquino Remarks