President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. issued strong warnings against foreign nationals who insult or provoke Filipinos, saying the government will not allow such behavior to continue unchecked.
In his vlog aired Monday, President Marcos reacted to a viral incident involving a foreign content creator, who was seen mocking and harassing locals. While he did not name the vlogger, the president said the video understandably angered many Filipinos.
“Which Filipino wouldn’t have their blood boil at what we’re seeing?” President Marcos said.
“It’s sad because it has become part of social media—vloggers who just tease, who are just rude for the sake of views,” he added.
He urged Filipinos not to emulate such behavior, saying it goes against Filipino values of kindness, respect, and humility.
“That’s not the Filipino way. You can be sure that we won’t let those who do such things continue this kind of behavior,” he said.
President Marcos acknowledged that Filipinos are often known for their patience and humility — traits that can sometimes lead to being taken advantage of. But he clarified that such restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.
“It doesn’t mean our government will let this pass,” he said. “We should fight back against bullies. The government is with you to put these kinds of people in their place,” the president added.
The president ended his message by warning those who plan to enter the Philippines with the intention of humiliating locals.
“I hope this serves as a lesson to those attempting to enter the Philippines to disrespect and ridicule our countrymen,” Mr. Marcos said.
Earlier this month, law enforcement authorities nabbed the Russian-American vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, following a series of controversial live-streamed pranks that authorities say involved harassment, theft, and public disorder.
The Department of Interior and Local Government said that the arrested vlogger would not be deported yet as he would face his charges first here in the country.