"Ama Namin" Drag Performer Pura Luka Vega Is Now Persona Non Grata in General Santos City
What happens to Pura Luka Vega?
(SPOT.ph) A little over a week after the controversial “Ama Namin” drag performance came to light, the 20th Sangguniang Panlungsod of General Santos City has declared Filipino drag performer Pura Luka Vega persona non grata in the city on Tuesday, July 18.
The declaration was made in a resolution filed by Councilor Vandyke Congson condemning Amadeus Fernando Pagent—Vega's real name—for disrespecting the Catholic faith. According to the governing body, the resolution was meant to reflect the sentiments of the majority Christian population of the city.
“This video clearly offended the sensibilities of the Christian community. Demeaning the faith of millions of Filipinos and disrespecting a very sacred element of the Catholic Church," Congson said during the 40th Session of the 20th Sangguniang Panlungsod.
"May this be a reminder or warning to all... that your government will not tolerate such activity in our beloved city of GenSan.”
Two weeks later, the municipal council of Toboso in Negros Occidental followed suit, stating Vega as a persona non grata in its town on August 2 for the same reasons. Councilor Richard Jaojoco authored the resolution.
On July 10, Vega posted a video of their drag performance where they were seen jamming to a punk remix of the religious hymn “Ama Namin” while dressed up as Jesus Christ. It wasn’t the first time they used religious imagery and motifs in a performance, but it's one that caught everyone’s attention in the past two weeks.
Also read: Drag Queen Pura Luka Vega Is Facing Charges for ”Ama Namin” Performance
What persona non grata means for Pura Luka Vega
"Persona non grata" translates to "an unwelcome person" in English.
It is a formal declaration from local authorities that an individual is unwelcome within a specified jurisdiction for doing something that is considered harmful, disruptive, or contrary to the values of the community. For Congson, the resolution serves as the "highest form of expression" in General Santos City's condemnation of Vega's behavior.
Being a persona non-grata could have legal implications on someone's entry or residency within the city the declaration was made. Since Vega is not a resident of General Santos City, the governing body said the resolution is just framed as “a mere expression of what we feel.” They said they still recognize Vega's freedom of speech and expression and freedom to travel.
“This resolution will be forwarded to the national,” Councilor Maria Casabuena said. “There is no hard and fast rule in passing a resolution declaring a person persona non grata.”
Also read: Yassified Worship? Here's What Religious Leaders Think About the “Ama Namin" Drag Act
UPDATED (August 3, 2023): This article has been updated to add Pura Luka Vega's persona non grata status in Negros Occidental.