BI seeks gov’t agencies’ coordination on foreign vloggers visiting PH

Bureau of Immigration. File Photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is considering coordinating with different government agencies to monitor foreign vloggers visiting the country.

At a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing on Friday, BI Deputy Spokesperson Melvin Mabulac was asked if they plan on coordinating with various agencies. Mabulac answered in the affirmative.

Mabulac himself said it is one of the few good policies that the BI is eyeing to implement.

READ: Russian vlogger faces deportation after harassing Filipinos in BGC

“Because the Philippines is also a favorite destination for foreign vloggers and we have to ensure that when they come here, they also have to be respectful and follow our country’s laws,” said Mabulac in Filipino.

Disrespectful foreign vlogger

“That is also one of the recommendations and is also being discussed. To ensure that those who come here are compliant with the condition and stay of a foreigner [who], even if they are vlogging, should also be respectful of our culture and follow our laws,” he added.

Mabulac’s remarks came after a Russian vlogger drew the public’s ire for harassing Filipinos in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

The 33-year-old vlogger identified as Vitaly Zdorovetskiy is now under the custody of the BI with pending deportation orders.

In the same briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the news about Zdorovetskiy has reached President Bongbong Marcos. She said the President immediately ordered the authorities concerned to act.

“That’s why, through the joint efforts of the Philippine National Police, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and the BI, Zdorovetskiy was immediately caught. Because we saw how he insulted our countrymen and did not respect our laws here,” said Castro in Filipino.