Russian-American vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy is set to remain in the Philippines to serve jail time after both Russia and the United States declined to accept his deportation, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Zdorovetskiy, who was arrested on April 3, is facing three counts of unjust vexation after harassing and mocking Filipinos in public for content creation purposes. He is expected to go on trial next week, with a possible sentence ranging from three months to one year for each count.
“We will service his sentence. Sinigurado ko po ‘yun,” Remulla said, confirming the government’s decision to hold him accountable locally.
The vlogger, known online as VitalyzdTv, reportedly wrote to the Interior Secretary appealing for leniency and requesting that the charges be dropped, citing mental health concerns. Despite the appeal, authorities are moving forward with the case.
If convicted, the 33-year-old may face up to 18 months in detention under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously denounced Zdorovetskiy’s behavior, calling it a form of abuse masked as entertainment.
Zdorovetskiy has gained notoriety for his controversial stunts and has been declared persona non grata in several countries due to his conduct.
