Russian-American vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy has found himself in deep trouble in the Philippines after his controversial actions in Boracay and Bonifacio Global City led to public outrage.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) detained Zdorovetskiy at the Camp Bagong Diwa facility in Taguig City, following his arrest for allegedly harassing locals during incidents captured on viral videos.
Philippine Government Delays Deportation
During a press briefing on Monday, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced that Zdorovetskiy would not be deported immediately. Instead, he must first answer to the legal cases against him in the Philippines.
“We’re not deporting him just yet. He will answer to Philippine law first,” Remulla stated, emphasizing that Zdorovetskiy’s exit from the country hinges on the outcome of local proceedings.
Deportation Process on Hold Until Local Cases Are Resolved
The BI clarified that while a deportation case has been filed, the process is on hold until the local legal cases are resolved.
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval explained, “We cannot implement the deportation case until his local cases get resolved. If a local court convicts him, he has to serve his sentence first.”
This means that if convicted, Zdorovetskiy will face imprisonment before any deportation proceedings can take place.
The Impact of Zdorovetskiy’s Actions
Zdorovetskiy’s videos, which show him harassing locals, have stirred public anger.
The BI, while welcoming foreign vloggers, made it clear that actions crossing the line into criminal behavior will not be tolerated.
Sandoval added, “We welcome foreign vloggers to create content, but when it turns criminal, like what his recordings reveal, he becomes an undesirable alien.”
The government reiterated its stance that foreigners must respect local laws or face strict consequences.
Louie Sangalang’s Challenge to Vitaly
Prior to his arrest, PGMN anchor Louie Sangalang made headlines when he challenged Zdorovetskiy to an MMA fight in response to his misconduct.
Incensed by the vlogger’s actions, Sangalang offered $5,000 to Zdorovetskiy if he could last five minutes in the ring with him.
“What he did was disrespectful to Filipinos,” Sangalang stated, framing the challenge as a direct response to Zdorovetskiy’s alleged harassment of locals.
The Outcome: A Waiting Game
As Zdorovetskiy’s legal battle continues, his future in the Philippines hangs in the balance.
Will he face the legal consequences of his actions, or will he be sent back to his home country once his cases are resolved?
For now, the answer lies with the courts, as they determine whether his actions will result in a conviction or an eventual exit from the Philippines.
