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| Chilean Ambassador Roberto Mayorga and Mark Joseph Solis with the plagiar photo framed behind them |
After winning the grand prize in a photo contest, Mark Joseph Solis became popular in the social media as the photo he submitted were later found out to be taken from someone else. The photo he use was taken from the Flickr account of Gregory John Smithentitled “Neptune, King of the Sea” taken on January 8, 2006.
Mark Joseph Solis manage to join his entry describe as "The Mettle of the Filipino Spirit," about a young boy who "helps his father in farming seaweeds along a coastal community in Zamboanga province," which is a really frustrating that he actually threads some beautiful lie fooling fellow entries, organizers and sponsors believing that his work is fascinating that he actually won.
Although Solis sent an apology letter to Mr. Smith, the later didn’t see the sincerity of Solis since he first read it online before receiving the letter of apology through his email.
Many Filipino netizens including his alumni were disappointed with his plagiarism act as he did it also before in numerous photo contest.
Meanwhile Solis were interviewed on 24oras saying he did it because of financial troubles. "Hirap din [kasi kami] sa buhay. Minsan gusto mo rin ng gamit kahit papaano, minsan kapos sa pang-tuition. In fact, hindi pa ako nakakabayad ng tuition ko sa UP. [Gusto ko ring] makapagbigay ako sa pamilya ko," he said.
If he did this disgraceful act in multiple times and still get away with it then he’s just like one of those politician that always get away from plunder case once get caught. Remember that this person is a graduate of Political Science which in the future will turn into a full blown crook. Poverty shouldn’t be a solution for stealing but hardwork it is, giving his own talent, skills and knowledge and not the works of others.