A Taguig court has ruled that the penalties imposed on Russian content creator Vitaly Zdorovetskiy have already been fully served, clearing the way for his removal from the Philippines, immigration officials said on Wednesday.
Arvin Cesar Santos, chief of the Bureau of Immigration’s legal division, confirmed that the court resolution allows authorities to proceed with deportation arrangements. “His penalty is deemed served. So he can be deported soon,” Santos told reporters.
Zdorovetskiy has been in detention for more than nine months following a series of incidents that drew public backlash and criminal complaints. He was arrested in April 2025 and later faced charges of unjust vexation, alarm and scandal.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, the vlogger appeared without speaking, a marked contrast to an earlier appearance shortly after his arrest when he reacted theatrically. This time, he stood still before cameras while wearing an orange Bureau of Immigration detention shirt.
Officials recounted that Zdorovetskiy became widely known after uploading videos showing confrontations and acts that included threatening a Filipina, harassing security personnel, riding a patrol motorcycle without authorization, and taking an electric fan.
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Zdorovetskiy remains a Russian national despite holding a U.S. green card, placing his deportation under Philippine immigration rules.
“We have no ill feelings toward Vitaly. He has served his time and he has shown his remorse,” Remulla said.
Immigration authorities said Zdorovetskiy will remain under their custody while deportation logistics are finalized.
