Pura Luka Vega after second arrest, release: ‘Tuloy pa rin ang buhay’

Pura Luka Vega. Image: Instagram/@puralukavega

Despite facing several lawsuits, Pura Luka Vega has remained grateful as they extended their appreciation to those who continuously support and defend them.

“I was released on bail today,” the drag artist, who goes by the pronouns they/them, said on Friday, March 1, a day after their latest arrest over new charges filed by other religious groups.

“Honestly, I got to learn more about my cellmates and their stories and much more. Because of what is happening and through the support and explanations of my lawyers, I now feel comfortable using legal jargon in everyday life,” they shared.

Pura Luka then credited their drag sisters including Naia and Manila Luzon for their efforts in raising funds for the former’s legal expenses.

“Tuloy pa rin ang laban, tuloy pa rin ang buhay. Lubos ang pasasalamat ko sa mga tumulong saken sa bail ko,” Pura Luka stated.

“More importantly, I am grateful for those who have supported and defended me. There can be a hundred people in the room, and 99 don’t believe in you, but one does. Masaya na ako doon,” the drag artist added.

Tuloy pa rin ang laban, tuloy pa rin ang buhay. Lubos ang pasasalamat ko sa mga tumulong saken sa bail ko. To my drag sisters na walang sawang tumulong saken at nag-organize ng fund raising for legal fees, maraming maraming salamat sa inyo. Salamat @brianblack_ 🥹💙 pic.twitter.com/8OtNKXgVhS

— Pura Luka Vega 🙃 (@puralukavega) March 1, 2024

And I would like to thank our drag lord, @manilaluzon for the mother that she is. She has been there for us and I can’t thank her enough. 🥹 Watch Drag Den only on @primevideoph. Labyu @dragdenph! See you on March 7 at Newport Resorts World for the finale! 😘 pic.twitter.com/L9kJNYEIZ5

— Pura Luka Vega 🙃 (@puralukavega) March 1, 2024

Pura Luka’s second arrest on Thursday, Feb. 29, was based on the warrant issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court for three counts of violation of Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code (Immoral Doctrines, obscene publications and exhibition and indecent shows), in relation to Section 6 of R.A. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

These complaints were filed by three churches affiliated with the Philippines for Jesus Movement, which had caused the drag artist’s first arrest in October last year.

Pura Luka posted a bail amounting to P360,000 and was released on Friday.

Prior to Thursday’s arrest, the drag artist had also posted bail amounting to P720,000 for six counts of the same crime lodged before the Pasay City regional trial court (RTC), after the city prosecutor found partial merit in the complaint filed by the Kapisanan ng mga Social Media Brodkaster ng Pilipinas.

All of these charges stemmed from the drag artist’s “Ama Namin” performance back in July 2023.