Viral drag artist Amadeus Fernando Pagente or Pura Luka Vega said he still stands by his art amid his arrest.
Vega was arrested by operatives of the Manila Police District (MPD) at his house in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
In an interview with Manila Bulletin on Wednesday, the 33-year-old drag artist believes that his arrest was a form of “injustice.” He said he was shocked when the police showed up at his door.
Vega was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued by Judge Czarina Villanueva of the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 36, with a recommended bail of P72,000.
He is accused for violation of Immoral Doctrines, Obscene Publications and Exhibitions, and Indecent Shows of the Revised Penal Code Article 201.
He said that, unlike his cases in Quezon City, he did not receive the subpoena from the authorities in Manila prior to his arrest.
“Never naman ako na hindi umurong sa mga kaso na ito. Kung kailangan na nandoon, pumupunta talaga ako kasi I needed to explain din my side (I never back down from these cases. If it's necessary to be there, I really go because I needed to explain my side as well),” he stressed.
He said that even before the cases were filed against him, he had always been open to discourses with the people he might have offended.
“But sana maintindihan nila na sa mata ng isang manlilikha o artist (But I hope they can understand that through the eyes of an artist), it’s really just a form of storytelling. Drag is art. It’s not supposed to be a crime,” he said.
He said his lawyer is now preparing legal measures in response to the cases filed against him and to the recent moves by local government units declaring him persona non grata.
Vega was previously declared persona non grata in several cities, including Manila, following the video that went viral showing him performing an Ama Namin (Our Father) remix to a cheering crowd at a local bar while wearing a Black Nazarene-inspired costume.
Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/9/manila-city-council-declares-pura-luka-vega-persona-non-grata
Meanwhile, he said he is hopeful that he will overcome all accusations against him.
“I'd really like to be hopeful... I don’t think there’s anything wrong with what I did. The intent was not even to mock God or Jesus. In fact, it was just an artistic way of welcoming people in the peer community, to embrace Catholic or Christian beliefs in a fun way.”
He added that his legal team might submit certain documents and that he might be able to post bail today.
“Pinaghahandaan, because this is a bailable case so baka pwedeng ma-bail as soon as magsubmit ng mga documents for bail (Preparations are being made because this is a bailable case so it may be possible to post a bail as soon as the documents for bail are submitted),” he said.
Vega said he was able to collect money from his supporters through a fundraising project which will be used for bail and other expenses while he is facing various charges.
“I’m very grateful for them, for the continued support, apart from my personal faith. People think that I don’t believe in a Divine being but I do. I’m grateful for the people who are still around me and have been expressing their support."
He also said that he does not invalidate all the negative comments from his bashers.
“May mga words of encouragement (Some gave me words of encouragement), they did really help me. I wish everyone well, including the one who persecuted me in this position. I wish them well,” he added,
He urged the authorities to review the cases filed against him, particularly Article 201 which he described as "unconstitutional."
Vega is currently being held at the MPD Sta. Cruz police station.
Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/4/drag-artist-pura-luka-vega-arrested-in-sta-cruz-manila