Pura Luka Vega says no subpoena yet on criminal case filed by Black Nazarene devotees

Image: Instagram/@puralukavega

Pura Luka Vega clarified that they have yet to receive a subpoena or any notice on the criminal case filed by religious group Hijos del Nazareno-Central against the drag artist.

Hijos del Nazareno-Central filed the suit at the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office in connection with Pura Luka’s “Ama Namin” (The Lord’s Prayer) drag performance, citing a violation of Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code.

Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code declares criminal the propagation of “immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows.”

Pura Luka, who uses the pronoun they or them, spoke up on the matter in response to a report that they were apparently a “no-show” on the Sept. 8 preliminary hearing on the complaint. Through their X page on Friday, Sept. 15, the drag artist stressed that they had no intention of “snubbing” the hearing.

“I am still not in receipt of any notice regarding an alleged criminal case filed in Manila against me. In the past two weeks, I have been attending preliminary investigations in Quezon City for three criminal complaints,” the drag artist said. “I have conferred with my volunteer lawyers as to the steps I need to take to also face the alleged charges in Manila.”

Pura Luka also thanked those who have “endured this ordeal” with them, including their family whom they regarded as their strength and hope.

“We will continue to fight for the freedom of expression, for understanding, and for true inclusion while looking forward to having a dialogue with the complainants,” they added.

I attended again today, in drag, as I have done all the other times I have appeared before the prosecutors. I have conferred with my volunteer lawyers as to the steps I need to take to also face the alleged charges in Manila.

— Pura Luka Vega 🙃 (@puralukavega) September 15, 2023

We will continue to fight for the freedom of expression, for understanding, and for true inclusion while looking forward to having a dialogue with the complainants.

— Pura Luka Vega 🙃 (@puralukavega) September 15, 2023

In a separate Instagram post, the drag artist showed themselves at the Quezon City Hall of Justice, attending a court hearing for other criminal charges.

“I attend in drag to normalize the art of drag in public spaces as well as educate and share queer experiences and practices,” Pura Luka stated. “I am also very pleased that the prosecutor has asked for my pronouns. Amidst all the challenges, I remind myself to be kind.”

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Pura Luka also faces criminal suits filed by the Christian churches under the Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM), which also cited a supposed violation of Article 201 of the RPC and in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Aside from the charges against them, Pura Luka was also declared persona non grata by several local government units including Cebu City; Floridablanca, Pampanga; General Santos City; Toboso, Negros Occidental; Bukidnon; Dinagat Islands; the City of Manila; Nueva Ecija; Laguna; Occidental Mindoro; Lucena City; and Bohol.  /ra