Pura Luka Vega Arrested for the Controversial "Ama Namin" Performance
Bail is set at P72,000.
(SPOT.ph) Drag queen Pura Luka Vega has been arrested at their residence in Sampaloc for "immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows" following their controversial "Ama Namin" performance as ordered by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 36. The trial court set the bail to P72,000.
Vega—or Amadeus Fernando Pagente in real life—is being held under the custody of the Manila Police District Station 3 in Quiapo, Manila, GMA News reported. #FreePuraLukaVega is currently trending on X with over 5,000 tweets.
The drag artist failed to attend several preliminary investigations of the criminal cases filed against them in Manila, "Drag Den" creator Rod Singh said on X (formerly Twitter). The arrest warrant was issued "despite filing a motion to reopen today." Singh also claimed no subpoena was issued by Manila before Vega's arrest.
The drag artist will post bail on Thursday, October 5, Singh said.
Also read: Drag Queen Pura Luka Vega Is Facing Charges for ”Ama Namin” Performance
The arrest of drag queen Pura Luka Vega
On July 10, Vega posted a video of their drag performance to a punk remix of the hymn “Ama Namin” while dressed up as the Black Nazarene, the first of their many religious performances to catch the nation's attention in the middle of 2023.
Since then, Vega has been declared persona non grata in at least 15 cities and municipalities and has since faced charges for the alleged violation of the Revised Penal Code, specifically Article 201 or on "immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows." At least two groups filed separate complaints based on this: Church leaders under the Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM) and the religious group Hijos del Nazareno, who are in charge of moving the Black Nazarene to the Quiapo Church every Traslacion.
Offenders may be imprisoned for a maximum of six years and/or fined P6,000 to P12,000. In 2017, the Cybercrime Prevention Act or Republic Act No. 10951 increased the fine to a range of P20,000 to P200,000.
Senate President Miguel Zubriri and Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva had previously called for Vega’s arrest through the Revised Penal Code.
On Instagram, Pura Luka Vega has been chronicling their journey with the several criminal complaints against them. They posted this caption on September 18: “In the end, I think I will be fine as long these localities, while deeming me for my art and my speech as unwelcome, are also giving their constituents their best in these truly challenging times. Yun lang.”
Also read: These Are All of the LGUs That Have Declared Drag Queen Pura Luka Vega Persona Non Grata