January 15, 2026 – Manila, Philippines. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy will be deported in the coming weeks following the resolution of his criminal cases in the Philippines. 

Zdorovetskiy, who gained notoriety for harassing Filipinos during live-streaming stunts in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in April 2025, has completed his court-imposed penalty and is now subject to removal from the country.

BI Legal Division Chief Arvin Cesar Santos confirmed during a press briefing that the Board of Commissioners has issued a deportation order against Zdorovetskiy. “Nag-issue na po ng deportation order against Vitaly Zdorovetskiy ng Board of Commissioners. Nakalagay po doon sa ating deportation order na ang pagdeport sa kanya ay subject to clearances ng NBI and saka ng courts kung saan siya nagkaroon ng kaso,” Santos said.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla also stated that the deportation is the next step after Zdorovetskiy served his sentence. “Natapos na niya ang parusang ipinataw ng korte, kaya ipatutupad na ang kasunod na hakbang ng pamahalaan: ang pagpapaalis sa kaniya sa bansa,” Remulla explained.

Zdorovetskiy, a controversial YouTuber known for prank and shock content, was arrested in Pasay City in 2025 after multiple complaints of harassment, including an incident involving a security guard in BGC. He faced charges of unjust vexation and public disturbance, which led to his detention and eventual conviction.

The deportation order requires clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the courts before implementation. Once finalized, Zdorovetskiy will be turned over to Russian authorities.

His case has drawn widespread attention in the Philippines, with many netizens calling for his permanent ban from the country due to repeated disruptive behavior. The deportation underscores the government’s stance against foreign nationals who violate local laws and disturb public order.

A Message Heard Beyond One Vlogger

The deportation of Vitaly Zdorovetskiy is not just about removing one disruptive foreign vlogger. It is about drawing a clear line. Fame, followers, and foreign passports do not place anyone above Philippine law.

For years, some outsiders treated Filipino public spaces as playgrounds for viral stunts, mistaking hospitality for tolerance and kindness for weakness. This case corrects that perception. The government allowed due process to run its course, enforced penalties, and then acted firmly. That sequence matters. It shows restraint, but also resolve.

This is not anti-foreigner. It is pro-respect. Guests are welcome. Abuse is not. Deportation sends a message louder than outrage ever could.

If applied consistently, this sets a new expectation for all who enter the country. Will this finally reset how outsiders treat Filipino communities, or will respect still depend on how loud the offense becomes?

Image from Idisobey