Marcos wants probe into Russian vlogger's prison corruption claims

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January 26, 2026 | 2:42pm

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an investigation into possible corruption in a detention facility following Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy’s claim that "money talks" in the Philippines, the Palace said.

Zdorovetskiy, who was detained for three months before his deportation, claimed that he was able to keep his phone while in custody and vowed to expose corruption.

At a press conference on Monday, January 26, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said detainees are strictly prohibited from possessing mobile phones.

"Sa ngayon po, dahil inutos din po ng Pangulo na magkaroon ng malalimang pag-iimbestiga rito, tatlo po ang tinanggap na ang courtesy resignation—isang warden at dalawang deputies. Sa ngayon ay pinag-iigting pa rin ang pag-iimbestiga ng Bureau of Immigration," Castro said.

(For now, the President has ordered a thorough investigation into this, and three courtesy resignations have been accepted—one warden and two deputies. The Bureau of Immigration is intensifying its investigation.)

Castro said that even before his arrest, Zdorovetskiy seemed intent on smearing the Philippines.

Any video he may release, however, could still serve as evidence in the probe, Castro added.

Should the investigation reveal abuses and corruption in the system, Castro said proper cases must be filed.