Pura Luka Vega visits DOJ prosecutor's office amid legal battles following 'Ama Namin' performance
Drag artist Pura Luka Vega paid a visit to the Department of Justice's office of the city prosecutor in Quezon City amid her legal battles following her controversial Ama Namin performance.
In an Instagram post on Sept. 8, Pura Luka Vega (born Amadeus Fernando Pagente) shared a selfie of her in front of the DOJ establishment wearing purple locks and pink clothes, with violet eye shadow and lipstick.
"Nyelpi muna," Vega said. "Found 2 stray kittens on the bench," as she also shared a photo of the animals.
She pointed out that drag is "not a crime," saying her experience "has highlighted hypocrisy and is an education on hate."
Vega noted that the charges she's facing come with the "hopes of upholding the freedom of expression for all."
"The law should not be used to persecute minorities for our unique cultural practices," she said.
Vega ended her post by greeting "Mama Mary" a happy birthday, as the Catholic Church celebrates the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Sept. 8.
Vega has been in the headlines since July after she was seen at a bar performing a punk rock version of Ama Namin, the central prayer of the Catholic church.
Many netizens took the drag queen to task, with some calling it "offensive" and "blasphemous."
She has been declared persona non grata over time in 12 Philippine municipalities, namely, General Santos City; Floridablanca, Pampanga; Laguna; City of Manila; Bukidnon Province; Toboso, Negros Occidental; Nueva Ecija; Cebu City; Cagayan De Oro City; Occidental Mindoro; Dinagat Islands; and Coron, Palawan.
To be declared as persona non grata means she's no longer welcome in these places, though doesn't mean she'll be prevented or arrested while visiting.
The Philippines for Jesus Movement, a Christian group coalition, meanwhile filed a case against Vega for alleged violation of Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code. It imposes penalties on those involved in "immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions and indecent shows."
The Hijos Del Nazareno Central, which represents devotees of the Black Nazarene, also filed a separate complaint against her, plus alleged violations of the Cyber Crime Prevention Act of 2012.
In her Instagram stories on Sept. 8, Vega thanked lawyers who have reached out to her during this trying time. "Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga lawyers na tumutulong sa akin pansamantala. They have helped me with the kindness of their hearts," she said. "Wala pa rin naman akong legal firm/counsel, but grateful na ako sa kung anong suporta ang natatanggap ko."