The drag artist Pura Luka Vega found themselves under arrest once more, stemming from their widely discussed “Ama Namin” performance that went viral.
The arrest, which took place on Thursday, was announced by “Drag Den Philippines” director Rod Singh via X (formerly known as Twitter), indicating a warrant issued by a Quezon City court.
Pura Luka Vega faces three counts of the same crime, leading to a recommended bail set at 360,000 pesos.
This legal action is rooted in complaints from three churches associated with the Philippines for Jesus Movement, highlighting the ongoing tension between artistic expression and religious sentiments within the country.
Previously, in February, Vega had posted bail amounting to P720,000 in Pasay City, responding to accusations found partially meritorious by the city prosecutor.
These accusations were tied to six counts of Violation of Article 201 concerning immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows of the Revised Penal Code in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Pura Luka Vega’s initial arrest in October last year was a direct consequence of their “Ama Namin” performance, which had been shared on social media platforms in July.
The performance ignited a flurry of complaints that ultimately led to Vega’s legal challenges. In response to Vega’s detention, the drag community and supporters rallied together, organizing a fundraising show to aid in covering bail expenses.
The event successfully raised P892,975.60 in donations, allowing Vega to be released on bail after spending three days incarcerated.
In December, Vega celebrated the dismissal of at least one of the cases filed against them, marking a partial victory in their ongoing legal battles.
In the conversations with GMA News Online, Vega clarified their intent behind the controversial performance, expressing a desire to “embody a version of Christ that is one with the queer audience.”
The case against Pura Luka Vega has ignited discussions on freedom of expression, the boundaries of artistic performances, and the intersection of religion and LGBTQ+ rights in the Philippines.
Keep Reading: The Vega Verdict: Pura Luka’s Blasphemy Case in the Philippines
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