DRAG performer Pura Luka Vega, legally known as Amadeus Fernando Pagente, was acquitted by the Manila Regional Trial Court on charges stemming from his viral 2023 performance of a remixed “Ama Namin” while dressed as Jesus Christ.
In a 20-page decision dated June 10, Judge Czarina Samonte-Villanueva of RTC Branch 184 ruled that the prosecution failed to prove Vega’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt for alleged violations of Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The charges were filed by the religious group Hijos Del Nazareno, which described Vega’s performance as offensive and blasphemous.
While the court found the evidence insufficient to convict, it reminded Vega to be more “mindful” of cultural sensitivities, especially with the wide reach of social media.
“This is not to curtail his rights but to be compassionate toward the community,” the ruling said.
Vega was arrested in October 2023 and detained for three days before posting a P72,000 bail, which the court has now ordered returned.
Declared persona non grata in several cities amid the backlash, Vega reacted to the decision on social media, saying, “Thank you for this wonderful news. One more case left. Just fight.”
