Self-proclaimed businessman and philanthropist Francis Leo Marcos spoke to the members of the media after being caught by the National Bureau of Investigation because of his alleged violation of the Republic Act 8050, also known as the Optometry Law.
According to Marcos, he’s using his wealth to distribute free reading glasses to the needy in different parts of the country.
Before becoming famous on social media, it was reported that Marcos led a group called “Perlinian Group-Marcos Foundation” that’s known for giving optical care to the masses for free.
Marcos said that a group of eye care professionals in Baguio file charges against him because they’re losing profits because of the optical missions led by his foundation.
“Basta kumita ako, nagbibigay ako ng optimum eyecare program sa ating mga kababayan, Luzon, Visayas at Mindanao, nakarating na ko ng Maguindanao, nakarating na ako ng Cagayan, dulo ng Pilipinas,” Marcos said.
Marcos insisted that he’s innocent and never did anything illegal during those optical missions.
“Wala ho akong ginawang hindi maganda, puro pagtulong lang lamang mo sa ating mga mamamayan,” he stated.
Marcos suspected that the reason why his case was brought up is that many powerful people wanted his reputation to get destroyed because of the ‘Mayaman Challenge’.
“Talagang may tinamaan doon sa Mayaman challenge ko, at talagang gusto po akong pabagsakin,” he said.
Marcos also claimed that he’s also a complainant, asking NBI to find the people pretending to be him on social media.
The National Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday arrested Francis Leo Marcos for alleged violations of the optometry law. The alleged businessman gained fame lately for posting his donations online. | ? by @tribunephl_yumi pic.twitter.com/6PXgJQq1zo
— Daily Tribune (@tribunephl) May 19, 2020
In some videos, it shows the optical missions launched by Marcos’ foundation.
Marcos repeatedly claimed many times that some wealthy individuals were upset by his ‘Mayaman Challenge’ because unlike him, they chose to stay at home keeping their money instead of helping the poor.
The businessman even received a complaint from his neighbor after he roamed around their posh subdivision while calling them to go out and help the needy.
Despite his philanthropic acts, Marcos’ identity was questioned by netizens, journalists, politicians, and even a scammer.