THE local governments of Cagayan de Oro and Nueva Ecija have also declared drag artist Pura Luka Vega “persona non grata” in their respective jurisdictions over his “The Lord’s Prayer” performance.
The Cagayan de Oro City Council unanimously approved the resolution authored by Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya.
Nacaya said the portrayal of Vega of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo Church is “sacrilegious acts.”
Nueva Ecija Third District Board Member Jojo Matias said the provincial council also unanimously approved his resolution seeking the declaration of Vega as persona non grata.
He said that while the board recognizes the freedom of expression and the rights of performers like Vega, these should be attended with respect to religious belief of every citizen and avoid deliberate insult to such belief.
“Sapagkat si Pura Luka Vega, sa pamamagitan ng isang kamakailang pagtatanghal, ay nagdulot ng malalim na pagsakit ng damdamin sa komunidad ng mga Kristiyano, sa mga kilos at pahayag na itinuturing na walang galang at derogatoryo patungo sa kanilang paniniwalang relihiyoso,” said Matias.
(Because Pura Luka Vega, through a recent performance, caused deep pain in the Christian community, with actions and statements that were considered disrespectful and derogatory towards their religious beliefs.)
Aside from Cagayan de Oro and Nueva Ecija, Vega was also no longer welcome in the local governments of Laguna, General Santos City in South Cotabato, Floridablanca in Pampanga, Toboso in Negros Occidental and Manila City.
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. (SunStar Philippines)