MANILA — Internet personalities Norman Mangusin, better known as Francis Leo Marcos, and Mark Jayson Warnakulahewa, popularly known as Makagago, came face to face for the first time during a press conference at Camp Crame on February 24, 2026. 

The event followed Mangusin’s arrest by the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) in connection with multiple counts of unjust vexation filed by Makagago.

Mangusin, who rose to fame during the pandemic for his “Mayaman Challenge” encouraging donations to the poor, defended himself against accusations that have resurfaced in recent years. “Ako po, lahat po na binibintang nila. Natapos na po noong 2020 pa, naging kaso ko na po lahat yan, he said.

“Ngayon o, yung laban namin ni Makagago, ako ko ang unang nagsampa ng kaso sa kanya. Oo. Ako unang nagsampa. Ako unang na-warrant,” he said, insisting that he was being unfairly portrayed in the media.

He further lamented the public scrutiny, saying, “So unjust vexation lang kung ipahiya nyo ko sa buong Pilipinas. Grabe, para akong pumatay. Yung sinasabi niyang marami ko inistaffa pa 2020 pa lang. Ang dami na nagsasabi niya. Wala naman nagkatotoo kahit isa. Tapos papahihiyain niyo ako ng national TV na ganito?”

During the heated exchange, Makagago interjected with a sharp retort: “Huwag kang umiyak!” The confrontation underscored the long-standing feud between the two vloggers, which has played out across social media platforms and now in the courts.

Mangusin’s arrest adds to his mounting legal troubles, including previous sanctions from the Land Transportation Office, administrative reviews by the National Police Commission, and a Supreme Court ruling finding him guilty of indirect contempt.

The case highlights the growing tension between online influencers whose disputes have spilled into mainstream media and the legal system. With both sides determined to pursue charges, the conflict between Francis Leo Marcos and Makagago is expected to intensify, drawing continued public attention.