FOLLOWING a controversial performance portraying the Black Nazarene of Quiapo Church, the Manila City Council has declared Pura Luka Vega as "persona non grata."
The council unanimously approved the resolution filed by Manila City District 5 councilor Ricardo Isip Jr. during a session on Tuesday, August 8, 2023.
Isip said Vega's portrayal of the Black Nazarene, accompanied by a remix version of "Ama Namin" (The Lord's Prayer) playing in the background while people were singing along, was "blasphemous" and "disrespectful."
The council noted the significance of the Black Nazarene for Manila City where the annual Traslacion is being held.
Manila City was the fourth local government to declare Vega, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente, as persona non grata following General Santos City in South Cotabato, Floridablanca in Pampanga, and Toboso in Negros Occidental.
This means that the drag artist is no longer welcome in those cities and municipalities.
Vega is also facing a complaint by the Philippines for Jesus Movement filed in Quezon City for violating Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act. (SunStar Philippines)