Pura Luka Vega is arrested in Manila
Pura Luka Vega was arrested Wednesday afternoon by the Manila Police District (MPD) as ordered by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 36.
In a report by Radyo DZBB, the controversial drag artist was said to have been taken by authorities from their home in Sta. Cruz, Manila, and is now in the custody of the MPD.
According to the warrant of arrest, Vega, born Amadeus Fernando Pagente, was charged with immoral doctrine, obscene, publications and exhibition and indecent shows. Bail was set at P72,000.
It can be recalled that some religious groups, such as the Philippines for Jesus Movement, have accused the drag queen of violating Article 201 Section 2 of the Revised Penal Code and Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
This was after their controversial drag performance of Ama Namin while dressed up as Jesus Christ, which gained criticism from religious groups.
On Sept. 8, Vega went to the Quezon City Hall of Justice and took a selfie before going inside the building to face the charges. They said they were being persecuted because of their beliefs and reiterated that "drag is not a crime."
“Let me state and reiterate that Drag is NOT a crime. This experience has highlighted hypocrisy and is an education on hate,” Vega said. “This is hate.”
In another post on X (formerly Twitter) last Sept. 15, Vega said that they have not yet received any subpoena regarding their criminal case.
“I am still not in receipt of any notice regarding an alleged criminal case filed in Manila against me. In the past two weeks, I have been attending preliminary investigations in Quezon City for three criminal complaints. I have conferred with my volunteer lawyers as to the steps I need to take to also face the alleged charges in Manila," they said.
Aside from the charges filed against them, Vega was also declared persona non grata by several local government units including General Santos City; Floridablanca, Pampanga; Laguna; Manila; Bukidnon; Toboso, Negros Occidental; Nueva Ecija; Cebu City; Cagayan de Oro; Occidental Mindoro; Dinagat Island; Lucena; Mandaue; Bohol; Marikina City; Oriental Mindoro; Malolos, Bulacan.