Viral drag artist Amadeus Fernando Pagente, popularly known as Pura Luka Vega, affirmed his commitment to his art form, declaring “Drag is art. It’s not supposed to be a crime,” following his arrest in Sta. Cruz, Manila on October 4.
Vega was taken into custody by the Manila Police District (MPD) on a warrant issued by Judge Czarina Villanueva of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 36. The charges leveled against him relate to violations of the Revised Penal Code Article 201, covering Immoral Doctrines, Obscene Publications, Exhibitions, and Indecent Shows. The bail is set at P72,000.
Speaking to the Manila Bulletin, Vega, 33, expressed shock at his arrest and labeled it as an “injustice.” He highlighted his absence of prior notification from Manila authorities, contrasting it with his previous cases in Quezon City.
Despite facing accusations, Vega emphasized his commitment to open dialogue, explaining, “I never back down from these cases… I needed to explain my side as well.” He urged the public to view his performances as “a form of storytelling.”
This isn’t the first time Vega has faced controversy. He was declared persona non grata in multiple cities, including Manila, after a video of him performing a remix of “Ama Namin” (Our Father) in a Black Nazarene-inspired costume went viral.
In defense of his artistic expression, Vega said, “The intent was not even to mock God or Jesus. It was just an artistic way of welcoming people in the peer community, to embrace Catholic or Christian beliefs in a fun way.”
While his lawyer readies for legal actions, Vega remains hopeful. Grateful for the support he has received from his fan base, he’s been able to gather funds for bail and related expenses through a fundraising initiative.
Vega, currently detained at the MPD Sta. Cruz police station, wishes even his critics well, and urges a reconsideration of charges, especially Article 201 which he believes to be “unconstitutional.”