Businessman and controversial YouTube star Francis Leo Marcos was arrested today by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly violating Republic Act 8050, also known as — wait for it — the Optometry Law.
Marcos was arrested by the NBI’s Cybercrime Division over a previous case that was filed against him in Baguio City.
The Optometry Law is “an act regulating the practice of optometry, upgrading optometric education, integrating optometrists,” among other things. Coconuts Manila tried to get in touch with the NBI to discuss which section of the Optometry Law Marcos violated, but the Bureau could not be reached. No further details have been made available as of posting time.
UPDATE: Posting bail, businessman influencer Francis Leo Marcos claims ‘persecution’ after arrest
Also known as “Boss FM” to his none-too-shabby legion of online fans, Marcos gained popularity after starting a “Mayaman” (“Rich People”) challenge during the enhanced community quarantine, in which he called out upper crust businessmen for failing to help the poor amid the COVID-19 crisis. Not one to back out from his own challenge, Marcos filmed and uploaded his philanthropic efforts, including donating sacks of rice and vegetables to a village in Tondo, Manila.
Marcos’ YouTube channel has drawn in over a million subscribers, despite being launched just two months back.
The 41-year-old Baguio native, who lives in an affluent Quezon City neighborhood, is a polarizing figure who has become somewhat of a folk hero to the masses, although his widely publicized philanthropic works have rubbed some people the wrong way.
Former first lady Imelda Marcos has clarified that she and the Marcos clan are not related to the Marcos Group of Companies CEO, despite them sharing the widely-known family name.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsZtS9loaKw
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