Brash Russian vlogger to face raps in PH

FILE: Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy. (PNA Photo Joan Bondoc)

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday said Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy will have to stay longer in the country to face criminal charges for harassing and insulting Filipinos for content.

Remulla said Zdorovetskiy will not be deported until such time that a final verdict is handed down by a Philippine court.

“Babala na rin ito (This is also a warning). People have to take responsibility for the content they create. It is not a license to shame or to hurt or to besmirch anyone,” Remulla said in a press conference in Quezon City.

Remulla said the Russian, arrested April 2 in Pasay, is under the custody of the Bureau of Immigration “as an undesirable alien and a flight risk.”

At least five criminal charges were filed against Zdorevetskiy, including a case in Boracay Island where he allegedly insulted a windsurfing instructor.

“He has been making vlogs and making money out of disrespecting people. But not in our own land. We will not allow him to insult and disrespect any Filipino,” Remulla said.

During the press briefing, the moderator had to remind the Russian to behave after he was seen murmuring and making gestures apparently aimed at the DILG chief.

Remulla said he heard Zdorevetskiy cursing at him.

He said the Russian was declared persona non grata in some countries because of his unusual behavior.