“Laban lang.”
This was the statement made by drag artist Pura Luka Vega after complaints against them for their controversial drag performance of the “Ama Namin” were reduced by one.
In their X Post, the drag queen expressed gratitude that one out of the seven cases filed against them has been dismissed by the court.
The cases stemmed from their impersonation of Jesus in a viral “Ama Namin” drag performance back in July which was condemned by some as “blasphemous” and “disrespectful” to the Catholic community, while others defended it as an “expression of art”.
Their post was accompanied by a photo of a court dismissal letter dated November 13, 2023 in Tacloban City, where it can be seen that the dismissal was due to a “lack of probable cause”.
“DISMISSED. Very grateful that at least one of all the cases filed against was dismissed. Laban lang,” Vega wrote.
DISMISSED. Very grateful that at least one of all the cases filed against was dismissed. Laban lang. ❤️? pic.twitter.com/H4Y8mgqSCq
— Pura Luka Vega ? (@puralukavega) December 27, 2023
Pura Luka Vega, or Amadeus Fernando Pagente, was arrested by the Manila Police District on October 5, after multiple complaints were filed by various religious groups.
The warrant of arrest was issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court for charges of “immoral doctrines obscene publications, and exhibitions, and indecent shows” in relation to section 6 of the Republic Act No. 10175
After being detained in jail for three days, the drag performer has since been released on bail amounting to P72,000.
Aside from the six remaining cases, they were also declared persona non grata in various cities and provinces in the country. Being declared persona non grata implies that Vega is no longer accepted or welcomed within these regions.
