Pura Luka Vega released from police custody, receives P500,000 donations from supporters

Controversial drag artist Amadeus Fernando Pagente or Pura Luka Vega was released from police custody on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 7, three days after his arrest.
According to Manila police, the 33-year old drag artist was released from Sta. Cruz Police Station at 2 p.m., after posting a P72,000 bail.
In August, devotees of the Black Nazarene, Hijos del Nazareno filed a case against Pura following a video that went viral showing him performing an Ama Namin remix to a cheering crowd at a local bar while wearing a Black Nazarene-inspired costume.
Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/17/black-nazarene-devotees-file-case-against-drag-performer-pura-luka-vega
He is accused of violating Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code (Immoral Doctrines, Obscene Publications and Exhibitions, and Indecent Shows).
Vega was arrested last Oct. 4, by virtue of a warrant issued by Judge Czarina Villanueva of the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 36.
In an interview with Manila Bulletin, Vega said he believes that his arrest was a form of “injustice," and that there is nothing wrong with his drag performance.
Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/4/i-still-stand-by-my-art-pura-luka-vega-amid-arrest
Meanwhile, fellow drag artists and groups have shown their support to Vega by initiating fundraising and donation projects for him.
Rod Singh, the showrunner of the television series called Drag Den Philippines, announced on his social media platforms on Oct. 5 that the donation fund has exceeded half a million.
Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/4/drag-artist-pura-luka-vega-arrested-in-sta-cruz-manila
