In the world of social media, where every move is watched by millions of eyes, it seems like the perfect life is shown by famous vloggers. But behind the entertaining videos, pranks, and lifestyle vlogs, there are times when the shine of the camera is replaced by the cold bars of prison. It is no joke what some famous personalities in the Philippines faced, going from being trending on Facebook and YouTube to becoming the talk of the news because of their arrests.

The “April Fool’s” That Came True: The Case of Boy Tapang

One of the most controversial arrests was that of Rooney Suan, better known as Boy Tapang. On April 1, 2025, news spread that he had been picked up by authorities. At first, many did not believe it and thought it was just one of his “April Fool’s Day” pranks for content. But laughter turned to shock when the Alcoy Police Station confirmed the incident.

According to the report, it was his partner, Chrina Morales, who sought help from the police. At the age of 21 and currently pregnant, Morales suffered bruises and wounds on various parts of her body after allegedly being beaten by Boy Tapang. Investigation revealed that before the assault, the two had a serious argument that led to the beating. According to the victim, she had been enduring the abuse for a long time out of fear and love, but the latest incident pushed her to fight back. Currently, the vlogger is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act.

Xander Ford and the Shadow of the Past

Marlo Arizala, better known as Xander Ford, was also not spared from the law. In December 2020, he was arrested in Pasay City based on a warrant of arrest also for violation of the VAWC Act. The complaint was filed by his ex-girlfriend who accused him of physical, emotional, and mental abuse. Although he was also released after posting bail of Php18,000, this incident left a big stain on his career which was already full of various controversies.

Serious Accusations Against Keifer Bros.

Daniel Butas, or Keifer Bros, faced a much more serious charge in January 2023. The vlogger was arrested at his home in General Trias, Cavite, on a rape charge. According to the complaint, the incident occurred during a road trip to Tagaytay with his live-in partner’s best friend. Keifer, on the other hand, defended himself, saying that what happened to them was consensual. However, the gravity of the case caused him to temporarily step out of the limelight and face the justice process.

Fairytale: The “Wrongful Arrest” and the Issue of 2018

Not all incarcerations are due to serious crimes committed by vloggers. In the case of Deo Valbuena, or the famous Diwata of “Diwata Pares Overload,” he was arrested twice. The first was in April 2024 for an old case of “slight physical injuries” in 2018 for which he was also quickly released on bail.

But what was more talked about was his imprisonment in October 2025. According to reports, Diwata was the victim of a “wrongful arrest.” Someone allegedly used his real name when a group was caught drinking on the street in Mandaluyong, which was against the city ordinance. Since no one showed up in court to pay the fine, a warrant was issued in the name of Deo Valbuena. The vlogger also spent one night in jail before everything was sorted out and it was proven that there was a mistake in identity.

The Mystery of Francis Leo Marcos

Finally, the arrest of Francis Leo Marcos in May 2020 will never be forgotten. Known for his videos that seemed to be giving out help, the NBI arrested him for violating the Optometry Law after giving away eyeglasses without the proper permit. But the bigger blow came when the NBI revealed that his real name was Norman Mangusin and that he had no connection to the Marcos family, contrary to his public statements. He was also facing other charges such as estafa and violation of the VAWC Act.

These stories serve as a reminder to everyone—whether vlogger or viewer—that the law is impartial. Behind every “like” and “share,” comes a responsibility for one’s actions in real life. Fame is no shield against justice, and a person’s true character is not measured by the number of followers they have, but by following the law and respecting others.