One out of the seven legal cases filed against Pura Luka Vega has been dismissed
PURA LUKA VEGA – The controversial drag artist celebrates the dismissal of one out of seven (7) legal cases filed against him stemming from his “Ama Namin” performance.
The drag artist took to the microblogging site X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing gratitude for the dismissal of one out of the seven legal cases filed against him. The cases originated from his portrayal of Jesus in a widely circulated “Ama Namin” drag performance in July, drawing criticism as “blasphemous” and “disrespectful” to the Catholic community. However, some supporters argued that it constituted a valid “expression of art.”
On X, Pura posted a photo of a court dismissal letter dated November 13, 2023, from Tacloban City, citing a “lack of probable cause” as the reason for dismissal. Vega, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente, expressed gratitude for the dismissal, stating, “DISMISSED. Very grateful that at least one of all the cases filed against was dismissed. Laban lang.”
Vega was apprehended by the Manila Police District on October 5, following multiple complaints from different religious groups. The Manila Regional Trial Court issued a warrant of arrest on charges of “immoral doctrines, obscene publications, and exhibitions, and indecent shows,” as per Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175. After spending three days in custody, the drag performer was released on bail amounting to P72,000.
In addition to the six pending cases, Pura Luka Vega has also been declared persona non grata in various cities and provinces across the country, including Manila, Marikina City, Marinduque, Batangas City, Bohol, Talisay, Mandaue City, Cebu City in Cebu, as well as Lucena City in Quezon Province, Occidental Mindoro, Dinagat Islands, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Cagayan de Oro City, Bukidnon, General Santos City in South Cotabato, Floridablanca in Pampanga, Toboso in Negros Occidental, Oriental Mindoro, and Idiongan, Romblon.
