‘Money talks in the Philippines’: Vitaly claims says he had phone throughout jail stay

January 25, 2026 | 4:57pm

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announces the deportation of Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy during a press conference in Quezon City on Jan. 15, 2026.

The STAR / Miguel de Guzman

MANILA, Philippines — Newly-deported Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy claimed that he had a phone in the penal facility when he was detained in the Philippines.

During a livestream conversation with American online personality Adin Ross on January 23, Zdorovetskiy said that he spent three months alone in isolation inside a detention cell and was allegedly able to sneak in a cellphone after bribing jail guards.

“I had a phone the whole time in jail. I vlogged the whole experience. I’m going to expose the corruption,” Zdorovetskiy said.

“Bro, you can do anything. Money talks in the Philippines,” he added.

In the saved livestream, Vitaly also claimed alleged inhumane conditions during isolation, where he experienced scorching temperatures.

In a statement on January 23, the Bureau of Immigration called these claims by Zdorovetskiy “rage-baits.”

“These videos are again rage-bait, using familiar tactics to generate views and online engagement,” Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado said.

Viado added that the bureau also looked into how Zdorovetskiy was able to use a mobile phone to record the video.

He explained that the incident took place around June or July and prompted immediate raids inside the facility, leading to the seizure of illegally smuggled gadgets.

By November, according to Viado, personnel found to have neglected their duties had been identified and relieved of their posts.

On January 24, Palace Press Secretary Claire Castro said that three personnel from the Bureau of Immigration had been sacked for allegedly giving special treatment to the Russian vlogger.

Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, responding to Zdorovetskiy’s corruption allegations, said that if it is proven that he was the one who corrupted personnel inside the facility, authorities could file charges against him and seek his extradition, according to an ABS-CBN news report.

Zdorovetskiy was arrested at a hotel in Pasay City on April 3 after harassing several people in Taguig City.