Pura Luka Vega says arrest was 'unfair': 'I did not receive the subpoena'
Pura Luka Vega said they found their arrest "a bit quick" and "unfair" as they did not receive a subpoena in line with the criminal complaint filed against them for their controversial Ama Namin performance.
In an interview that aired on News5, the drag queen, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente, reacted to their arrest that took place in their home in Sta. Cruz on Wednesday, Oct. 4 after not showing up at the preliminary investigations of their case in Manila.
"It was a bit quick. My side of the story or the motion, hindi naman ako nabigyan ng enough time to submit the documents we've been wanting to submit," they stressed.
"We did not receive the subpoena," continued Vega. "Immediately, when the media took coverage of that incident, we went to Manila City Hall and stated our case that indeed, we did not receive the subpoena, it was not addressed to my current address. I don't know if that was taken into account."
"I do feel like it's unfair, but we've been handed the warrant of arrest, so, okay, sige. It was a bit of a surprise," they added.
Vega also told GMA's 24 Oras that they're "still processing" their arrest.
The drag performer was arrested by the Manila Police District in connection with the criminal case filed by a religious group over their viral performance, where they sang a remix of Ama Namin or The Lord’s Prayer to a cheering crowd at a bar.
Vega was accused of violating Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code and was charged with immoral doctrine, obscene, publications and exhibition, and indecent shows. The bail was set at P72,000.
The drag queen stood by their controversial performance even after their arrest and stressed that their intention “was never to mock.”
“I also would not like to invalidate their feelings. If they feel hurt or they feel offended, it’s their right to feel such,” they told GMA’s 24 Oras.
Aside from Manila, Vega said they’re also facing other criminal complaints in Quezon City in line with the same issue.
"I've been trying to deal with all of the cases that were charged against me and so far, I did face all of the charges, went to the courts for the three cases that were filed [against] me in Manila and QC," they noted.