APALIT — This municipality has joined the growing number of local government units (LGUs) that declared drag queen Pura Luka Vega an unwanted person.
It stemmed from the drag queen's controversial performance of "Ama Namin" rendition while donning a Black Nazarene costume.
The Sangguniang Bayan passed Resolution No. 106 Series 2023 which declared the drag queen with legal name Amadeus Fernando Pagente as persona non grata.
The resolution noted that “portrayal of religious figures in a manner that is disrespectful or offensive to the religious sentiments and beliefs of individuals and communities is not conducive to promoting harmony and mutual respect to our community.”
“The Municipality of Apalit values its diverse population and aims to uphold respect for all religious beliefs, traditions, and practices,” it added.
Councilor Edmon “Tuks” Simon, who was the proponent of the resolution, said it was approved by general consent.
Apalit is the second LGU after Floridablanca to declare persona non grata against Pura Luka Vega.
At least half a dozen more LGUs across the country including City Manila, Taboso town in Negros Occidental, General Santos City, Bukidnon, Laguna, and Cagayan de Oro also passed the same resolution.