Pura Luka Vega, former contestant of Drag Den Philippines, has been declared persona non grata in Manila City and Bukidnon, and a total of four provinces, after a controversial impersonation of Jesus in a viral “Ama Namin” drag act.
The Manila City Council, with 26 councilors present, presided over by Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto and Majority Floor Leader Jong Isip, unanimously approved the resolution against Vega. The decision was based on District 5 Councilor Ricardo Isip Jr.’s proposal that the act portrayed the Black Nazarene of Quiapo Church, considered by them to be a symbol of the city, in an unfavorable light.
During the session, Isip was quoted by ABS-CBN News saying, “[Vega] did not think about his actions… What he did was a sacrilege. We should not let this pass because if we do, others might follow. We need to take action.”
Councilor Jaybee Hizon supported the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the Black Nazarene to the city and stating that “freedom of speech should not be used to offend religious feelings.”
In addition to Manila City and Bukidnon, councils of General Santos City, Floridablanca in Pampanga, and Toboso in Negros Occidental have similarly barred the drag performer.
On top of the declarations, Vega, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente, is facing criminal charges in Quezon City. The charges are based on Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act. According to Article 201, acts deemed “indecent or immoral” that offend any race or religion, whether live or in film, are punishable by law.
Vega, who identifies as non-binary and made history as the first bearded drag queen on Drag Den Philippines, responded to the criticism on X (previously Twitter). The artist said, “Tell me EXACTLY what I did wrong. I’m open for a dialogue and yet cities have been declaring persona non grata without even knowing me or understanding the intent of the performance. Drag is art. You judge me yet you don’t even know me.”