Mc Richard Paglicawan
The case against the controversial drag queen Pura Luka Vega, known for their presence on ‘Drag Den,’ seems to be proceeding, and today, the Instagram account @officiallylukaluka released a post saying, “WE’RE GOING TO COURT And we need your help more than ever 🙊”
The post includes a QR code for the group’s donation appeal, which will be used to support Luka’s family and cover transportation and food expenses for their court appearances in September. The post requests that contributors include “FOR LUKA” in the donation notes.
“Airfunding donations are currently postponed, and we’re asking you to spread this word.”
Earlier this month, Pura Luka Vega was charged in response to their viral video, in which they parodied Jesus Christ using the religious song ‘Ama Namin.’
In real life, Amadeus Fernando Pagente, also known as Pura Luka, faces charges related to Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
These laws include provisions stating that individuals who “exhibit indecent or immoral plays, scenes, acts, or shows” in theaters, fairs, cinematographs, or any other place, and those who “offend any race or religion” are engaging in activities contrary to law, public order, morals, and good customs.
The Philippines for Jesus Movement, led by Bishop Leo Alconga, Pastor Romie Suela, and Pastor Mars Rodriguez, filed the appropriate case against Pura Luka following their controversial drag art performance, during which they parodied Jesus Christ while dancing to a remix of ‘Ama Namin.’
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The video received criticism from religious groups and moralists who deemed it a blatant form of disrespect towards the Church and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Separately, the ‘Hijos del Nazareno – Central,’ devotees of the Black Nazarene in the annual ‘Traslacion’ feast in Quiapo, filed a criminal complaint against the performer.
The group alleges that Pura Luka violated Article 201, Section 2 of the Revised Penal Code related to “indecent shows, publications, or exhibitions,” as well as Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
These complaints mirror the earlier legal actions taken by the Philippines for Jesus Movement.
The viral video in question showed the drag artist dressed as Jesus, dancing and singing to a remix of ‘Ama Namin.’ The video was posted on Pura Luka’s Twitter account with the caption “Thank you for coming to church!”
The complainants stated that similar photos and videos had been shared on social media by Pura Luka since 2021.
One particularly disturbing video, according to the complainants, showed Pura Luka Vega critiquing a communion host, an act deemed sacrilegious, given that the host is highly revered by Catholics.
The complainants stressed that while Pura Luka Vega enjoys the freedom of artistic expression, they have a corresponding duty as citizens to “act within the bounds of the laws.”
“[Pura Luka Vega’s] unabated sacrilege consisting of blasphemy and desecration acts [spread online]… and unremorseful attitude insult our faith and strongly offend our religion,” they added.
Several places have declared Pura Luka “persona non grata,” including Manila, Floridablanca in Pampanga, Toboso in Negros Occidental, General Santos City, Cagayan de Oro City, Laguna, Bukidnon, and most recently, Occidental Mindoro and Batangas City.
Pura Luka has apologized to anyone offended or hurt by their drag art performance but maintains that they have done nothing wrong.
