Manila court acquits drag artist Pura Luka Vega
A Manila court has acquitted drag artist Pura Luka Vega of charges concerning their controversial Ama Namin performance.
On X, Vega, whose legal name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente and goes by they/them pronouns, announced that the Manila RTC dismissed their case of violating Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
"Thank you for this wonderful news. One more case left. Laban lang," they wrote.
Thank you for this wonderful news. 🙏 One more case left. Laban lang. 🤗💖 pic.twitter.com/ac4IeA0CQ8
— Pura Luka Vega 🙃 (@puralukavega) June 10, 2025
According to an ABS-CBN News report, Presiding Judge Czarina Samonte-Villanueva ruled on June 10 that the prosecution did not prove Pagente's performance, which involved impersonating Jesus Christ and dancing to Ama Namin, violated any laws, public order, morals, or good customs.
"In sum, Pura Luka's performance may be disrespectful and offensive, but the prosecution fell short of proof that the same is unlawful under Article 201."
The court also ordered the return of Pagente's bail bond, amounting to 72,000, which he posted for his temporary release on March 1, 2023.
'Matapang kong masasabing nanaig ang hustisya'
Pagente, through a statement posted by Rainbow Rights Philippines, said that justice was served in their case.
"Iniaalay po namin sa komunidad ng LGBTQIA+ ang aming panalo sa kaso sa Maynila. Ang kaso ay isinampa ng ilang miyembro ng Hijos Del Nazareno laban sa akin," they said.
The drag artist also emphasized their respect for the faith of different people.
"Sa kabila nito, gusto rin po naming iparating na ang aming sining at ekspresyon ay ang esensya ng demokrasya at kalayaang magpahayag."
Statement of @puralukavega re their acquittal by the Manila RTC.
— Rainbow Rights Philippines (@rrightsphl) June 10, 2025
“nawa’y iadya natin ang isa’t isa sa lahat ng masama” pic.twitter.com/xmfpBhbi6f
The Drag Den alum was first arrested in Manila in October 2023 and released on bail a few days later. In late December 2023, one of the seven cases filed against them was dismissed.
In Feb. 2024, Pagente was arrested again after "three churches affiliated with the Philippines For Jesus Movement" filed a complaint for three counts of the same violations.
Since the controversial performance, Pagente was declared persona non grata in 17 Philippine municipalities, including 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.
Pagente previously told PhilSTAR L!fe that they did not intend to offend people with their act.
"It's my way of expressing my faith, odd as it may seem. I deliberately chose Ama Namin for the message—a message of hope for the oppressed, particularly the LGBTQIA+ community," they said.
