Pura Luka Vega released from police custody after latest arrest

Pura Luka Vega. Image: Instagram/@puralukavega

Pura Luka Vega posted bail and was released from police custody on Friday, March 1, a day after they were arrested following new complaints from religious groups.

“Pasintabi sa mga nagdiwang sa pagkaka-arestong muli ni Luka kahapon pero nailabas na siya today,” “Drag Den Philippines” director Rod Singh announced through her X page on Friday.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang ating fundraising efforts dahil kulang pa talaga ang na-raise natin pero may mga mabubuting loob na nagpa-utang,” she added.

Singh further noted that Pura Luka, who goes by the pronouns they/them, will have an appearance at the finale concert of “Drag Den Philippines” season 2 as part of their effort to raise money.

“Balik trabaho si Luka para sa kaniyang legal expenses,” the director added.

Balik trabaho si Luka para sa kaniyang legal expenses. Muli ninyong mapapanood si Luka sa Huwebes sa gaganaping finale concert ng Drag Den S2 sa NewPort Resorts World.

— rodina (@iamrodafrog) March 1, 2024

The new case for which Pura Luka was arrested 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). The recommended bail was P360,000.

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

Prior to Thursday’s arrest, Singh said that Pura Luka had also posted bail amounting to P720,000 for six counts of the same crime.

These lawsuits stemmed from the drag artist’s “Ama Namin” performance that drew the ire of various religious and civil sectors.