Members of Hijos Del Nazareno (HDN) Central filed charges against drag artist Amadeus Fernando Pagente alias Pura Luka Vega before the Manila City Prosecutor's Office on Thursday, Aug. 17, over his controversial performance of "Ama Namin" (The Lord's Prayer).
The group accuses the drag artist of violating Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code (Immoral Doctrines, Obscene Publications and Exhibitions, and Indecent Shows), in relation to Republic Act 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
HDN Central President Val Samia said they held meetings with devotees, priests, lawyers, and lay people before lodging a formal complaint against Vega.
"Ang Hijos Central ay matagal na pinagnilayan nang may malawak na kaisipan bago kami humantong sa desisyon at aksyon ngayong araw na ito (Hijos Central thoroughly studied this matter with a broad mind before we come up with today's decision and action)," Samia said.
They filed the charges in response to the video that went viral on social media, showing the drag artist performing a remix version of "Ama Namin" to a cheering crowd at a local bar while wearing a Black Nazarene-inspired costume.
He said Vega displayed disrespect towards sacred religious figures, specifically imitating Christ, in the videos that gained public attention.
"Ang pagsasampa ng kaso kay Ginoong Pagente ay hindi pag-atake sa kanyang pagkatao bilang isang kasapi ng lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning persons or the community (LGBTQ+) at lalong hindi para supilin ang larangan ng sining. Hindi po ito ang usapin dito (The filing of the case against Mr. Pagente is not an attack on his personality as a member of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning persons or the community (LGBTQ+), and also not to suppress the field of arts. This is not the issue here)," the group leader stressed.
Samia said that the declarations of "persona non grata" against the drag queen in many places in the country only prove that he has offended many Filipinos.
"Ang resulta po nito ay isang malalim na sugat sa asptetong spiritual, moral, at mental sa ating mga Pilipino, bilang mga mamamayan na niniwalan na ang Diyos ay buhay at naninirahan sa bawat puso natin (The result of this is a deep wound in the spiritual, moral, and mental aspects of us Filipinos, as citizens who believe that God is alive and lives in our hearts)," he added.
He also noted that a month after the video went viral, Vega failed to apologize for what he did; instead, he became more arrogant in justifying his performance.
"Ginoong Pagente, ang pagsasampa ng kasong ito laban sa inyo ay ang mismong pagbibigay ng pagkakataon para sa inyo para ipagtanggol ang inyong sarili sa isang matuwid at legal na proseso (Mr. Pagente, the filing of this case against you is giving you the opportunity to defend yourself in a fair and legal process)," he stated.
The Hijos Del Nazareno (HDN) Central, an association of Catholics recognized in Quiapo Church, represents the Black Nazarene devotees in the Philippines.