Timely reminder
THE government has reminded foreigners, including vloggers and content creators, to always behave well while visiting the Philippines.
Malacanang issued the reminder after police and Immigration authorities arrested a Russian-American vlogger for harassing Filipinos.
Reports said that in several videos, Vitaly Zdorovetskiy disrespected Filipinos and the country’s laws, customs and traditions.
The vlogger faces deportation and inclusion in the list of undesirable aliens who are banned from reentering the Philippines.
Like the manpower export industry, the tourist industry is a major pillar of the the country’s domestic economy.
“Malaking pera ang ipinapasok sa bansa ng mga dayuhang turista pero huwag naman nila tayong bastusin,” a lady tourist guide said. In the view of many, including the ordinary citizens, across the country, we want our visitors to treat us like the way we treat them,” she added.
Like Malacanang officials, we commend concerned government authorities for acting swiftly.
“By arresting the suspect, the authorities showed their determination to hit hard at erring foreign tourists.
Hopefully, the arrest of the Russian-American vlogger will serve as a warning to other rude foreign tourists.
