Floridablanca Vice Mayor Michael L. Galang recently shared the resolution of their Office of the Sangguniang Bayan condemning the "blasphemous acts" of Amadeus Fernando Pagente, also known, as "Pura Luka Vega," against the Christian faith.
With that, the said municipality in the province of Pampanga declared the former Drag Den season 1 alumni as "persona non-grata."
In the copy of the documents, the members reiterated that Pura Luka Vega's "portrayal of the Black Nazareno while singing the Rock and Roll Rendition of Ama Namin in a bar set up and doing food tasting of the Sacramental Bread called Hostia, caused significant distress, offense, and anguish among our fellow Christian residents."
They reiterated: "These acts which are making a mockery of religious ceremonies and religious figures by presenting satirical, obscene and perverted representations is condemnable."
According to them, their responsibility as Sangguniang Bayan of the municipality is to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of all individuals and communities residing within their jurisdictions; and it is necessary to send a strong message of solidarity and support to the Christian Faith, while firmly denouncing such acts of blasphemy.
Meanwhile, in a TV report by GMA Regional TV "One Mindanao," the local government of General Santos City approved the resolution declaring the drag queen also persona non-grata or not welcome in the city.
“This video clearly offended the sensibilities of the Christian community. Demeaning the faith of millions of Filipinos and very disrespecting the sacred element of the Catholic Church," said Councilor Vandyke Congson.
"May this be a reminder or warning to all (in) generals that your government will not tolerate such activity in our beloved city of Gen Santos.”
In a "breaking my silence" post, Pura reiterated that her "intention is not really to mock per se."
"Feeling ko I was very careful when I did that because I don't want to come across something that's very offensive," she said. "I also did that intentionally to challenge our notions of how we worship or how we sing our prayers."
"Was it offensive because I am queer individual or was it for other factors? It was in no way trying to demean naman."
In a tweet, she also wrote: "I understand that people call my performance blasphemous, offensive or regrettable. However, they shouldn’t tell me how I practice my faith or how I do my drag. That performance was not for you to begin with. It is my experience and my expression, of having been denied my rights."
"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion," she stressed.
Thank you for coming to church! 🙏 https://t.co/aCw7fap3fH pic.twitter.com/nUKWV1M7PW
— Pura Luka Vega 🙃 (@ama_survivah) July 9, 2023
Note that amid the backlash, others also rally behind Pura, noting how the performance is a form of art and expression.