Drag artist Pura Luka Vega acquitted by Manila court

In a significant development, drag artist Pura Luka Vega has been acquitted by a Manila Regional Trial Court of charges filed against them. The charges stemmed from accusations of violating Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code in connection with the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The legal battle began after a video went viral in July 2023, showing the artist, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente, performing a remixed version of "Ama Namin" (Our Father) while in drag. Various religious groups subsequently filed complaints, citing the performance as offensive.

Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code addresses offenses like "immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows," specifically those deemed offensive to race or religion or contrary to public morals and customs.

Presiding Judge Czarina Samonte-Villanueva of Manila RTC Branch 84 delivered the ruling, stating the acquittal was based on the prosecution's failure to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

The court highlighted several key points in its decision. It noted that Pura Luka Vega's performance took place during a party specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, suggesting it was intended for that particular audience.

Furthermore, the court found no evidence that the artist was responsible for uploading the controversial video that became widely circulated online. The judge emphasized that Pura Luka Vega could not be held liable under the Cybercrime Prevention Act solely because another individual recorded and shared the performance.

The ruling also pointed out that the complainants, identifying themselves as members of Hijos Del Nazareno, did not successfully demonstrate they represented the "average Filipino" in their claims of offense. They also admitted they did not speak for their entire organization.

Following the acquittal, the Manila RTC directed the release of the P72,000 bond previously posted by Pura Luka Vega.

However, the court included a reminder for the drag artist to "be circumspect in his choice of medium or subject of his performances as a drag artist taking into account the society he belongs to."

Reacting to the news on social media platform X, Pura Luka Vega expressed gratitude, stating, "Thank you for this wonderful news. One more case left. Laban lang (Keep fighting)."

This acquittal is a notable moment in a series of legal challenges faced by Pura Luka Vega since the controversial performance, including previous lawsuits, arrests, and being declared persona non grata in several localities across the Philippines.