President Marcos strongly denounced the offensive behavior of a Russian vlogger who was recently arrested for harassing and mocking Filipinos in his online content, urging the public to stand firm against bullies.
In his vlog, President Marcos expressed dismay over the offensive conduct of a vlogger targeting Filipinos.
He further noted with concern that it has become a trend on social media for some vloggers to provoke, harass, and disrespect others just to boost their popularity and gain views.
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, a Russian vlogger known for controversial content, is facing multiple criminal complaints over alleged public pranks, including the harassment of security guards, theft of an industrial fan from a Taguig restaurant, and verbal abuse directed at a Boracay windsurfing instructor.
"Nakakalungkot dahil ito ay isang naging bahagi na ng social media na nagkakaroon ng mga vlogger na nanggugulo lang, nang-aasar lang, nambubwiset lang, nambabastos lang, para makakuha ng mga viewers," said Marcos.
"Huwag tayong sasama dyan sa ganyang klaseng ugali. Hindi naman ganyan ang ugaling Pilipino. Asahan ninyo, ‘yung mga gumagawa ng ganyan [ay] hindi natin pababayaan na patuloy nilang ginagawa ‘yan," he added.
The President emphasized that Filipinos are inherently kind, polite, humble, and patient, making it all the more saddening when these traits are abused.
He added that while it is natural for Filipinos to laugh off and not dwell on such acts of disrespect, it does not mean that the government will turn a blind eye to these situations.
"Dapat tayong pumalag sa mga bully. Kasama niyo ang pamahalaan para ilugar ang mga ganitong tao," Marcos urged the public.
"Sana’y magsilbing aral ito sa mga magtatangkang pumasok pa rito sa Pilipinas para lang hamakin at gawing katatawanan ang ating mga kababayan," he added.
Previously, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla reported that the Russian vlogger will not be deported amid ongoing charges in the Philippines.
