Manila: Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy will remain in the Philippines to serve his sentence for harassing and insulting Filipinos for content, as confirmed by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

According to Philippines News Agency, Zdorovetskiy is set to face trial next week on three counts of unjust vexation, which could result in a jail term ranging from three months to one year. Secretary Remulla emphasized the commitment to enforcing the sentence, stating, "We will service his sentence. Sinigurado ko po 'yun (I made sure of that)."

Deportation has been ruled out as an option since both Russia and the United States, where Zdorovetskiy holds a green card, have refused to accept him back. Remulla noted that the vlogger had reached out, requesting the charges to be dismissed due to mental health concerns.

If found guilty, Zdorovetskiy, aged 33, could face up to 18 months in a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has denounced Zdorovetskiy's actions, stating that such behavior, disguised as entertainment, would not be tolerated.

Zdorovetskiy was arrested on April 3 and has been declared persona non grata in several countries due to his controversial antics. He is widely recognized by his online alias, VitalyzdTv, on YouTube.