THE province of Laguna has declared drag artist Pura Luka Vega a persona non grata over a controversial performance where he portrayed the Black Nazarene of Quiapo Church.
In a statement, Laguna board member Christian Niño Laraja said a resolution declaring Vega, real name Amadeus Fernando Pagente, as persona non grata, was approved by all members of the Laguna provincial council.
He said the province of Laguna stands united with other local governments in expressing “dismay and disappointment” over Vega’s actions.
“As leaders of our province, it is our duty to uphold the values of respect and dignity towards our fellow individuals. We should not tolerate any attacks or disrespect towards our cultures and beliefs, Laraja said.
“By declaring persona non grata, we are reminding everyone that being a celebrity or personality should never be an excuse to offend or insult our traditions and beliefs,” he added.
Vega was earlier declared as persona non grata by the local government of General Santos City in South Cotabato, Floridablanca in Pampanga, Toboso in Negros Occidental, and Manila City.
This means that the drag artist is no longer welcome in the said cities and municipalities.
But the Department of the Interior and Local Government, in a February 2020 legal opinion, said that "persona non grata" is simply a declaration of the sentiment or opinion of the lawmaking body. This means that Pura can still enter the municipality or city that declared him unwelcome, according to abogado.com.
The 1987 Constitution also guarantees the right to travel except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health, as may be provided by law.
Vega’s performance was accompanied by the remix version of The Lord’s Prayer (Ama Namin).
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 (RPC) and Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Earlier, Vega said he is open for dialogue to address the matter.
“Tell me EXACTLY what I did wrong. I’m open for a dialogue and yet cities have been declaring persona non grata without even knowing me or understanding the intent of the performance. Drag is art. You judge me yet you don’t even know me,” the drag artist said. (SunStar Philippines)