Malacañang has called on content creators to be responsible and respectful when making videos in the Philippines.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said this following the recent arrest of Russian-American vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy for allegedly harassing Filipino citizens.

In an interview with State-run PTV-4, the Palace Press Officer confirmed that President Marcos was informed of the incident and immediately ordered authorities to act.

"Yes, opo, nakarating po ito sa ating Pangulo kaya po mabilis niya po itong pinakilos, ang ating mga awtoridad (the President was informed of this and he immediately mobilized our authorities)," she said.

Castro expressed gratitude for the swift response of law enforcement agencies, particularly the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

"Dapat natin pong parangalan at kilalanin ang naging efforts po ng PNP, CIDG at ng Bureau of Immigration (We should honor and recognize the efforts of the PNP, CIDG, and the Bureau of Immigration)," she said.

Zdorovetskiy, known for his prank videos on YouTube, was caught on camera disrespecting Filipinos while filming his content.

Although details of the incident were not fully disclosed, Castro stressed the importance of respecting local customs and laws.

"Ang turista naman po, mga foreign nationals ay welcome naman po sa Pilipinas (Tourists and foreign nationals are welcome in the Philippines)," she said.

"Pero hindi po ibig sabihin nito na kung welcome sila ay handa na rin po nila na bastusin ang mga Pilipino, ang kustumbre po natin, ang batas natin (But this doesn’t mean that they can insult Filipinos, our customs, and our laws)," she added.

The Palace official warned both local and foreign vloggers against exploiting other people in their content, reminding them that freedom comes with responsibility.

"Sabi nga natin, ang bawat freedom, ang bawat karapatan ay may kaakibat na obligasyon (As we say, every freedom, every right comes with a corresponding obligation)," she said.

Zdorovetskiy’s Filipino cameraman may also face legal charges depending on his role in the filming.

"Kumbaga, maaari po itong makasuhan ng unjust vexation – depende po kasi kung ano iyong nature ng kanilang ginawang aksyon (He may be charged with unjust vexation – depending on the nature of their actions)," Castro said.

Zdorovetskiy has been involved in several controversial stunts in the past, often resulting in arrests or legal trouble. In 2016, he illegally climbed the iconic Hollywood sign in Los Angeles and unfurled a banner promoting his YouTube channel, leading to his arrest for trespassing.

He was also arrested in Miami Beach in 2020 after allegedly tackling a female jogger without provocation.