In a recent session held on Tuesday, the city council of Manila, Philippines, unanimously designated Pura Luka Vega as "persona non grata" within the city limits. This decision stems from their strong disapproval of the drag artist's portrayal of Jesus in various performances.
All 26 councilors present at the session, led by Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto and Majority Floor Leader Jong Isip, endorsed a proposal put forth by District 5 Councilor Ricardo Isip Jr. This proposal seeks to declare Vega, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente, as undesirable for staging acts that depict the Black Nazarene of Quiapo Church. This religious figure is considered symbolic of the city.
Similar resolutions have been passed previously by the councils of General Santos City and the municipalities of Floridablanca in Pampanga and Toboso in Negros Occidental.
Vega is currently facing a legal complaint from the Philippines for Jesus Movement, filed in Quezon City. The complaint accuses Vega of violating Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and Republic Act 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code penalizes individuals who engage in performances that may offend religious sensibilities or beliefs.
