Pura Luka Vega acquitted by Manila RTC

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Pura Luka Vega, also known as Amadeus Fernando Pagente, has been acquitted by the Manila Regional Trial Court.

In a 20-page decision dated June 10, the Manila RTC Branch 184 acquitted the artist of charges of violating Article 201 (2)(b)(3) and (2)(b)(5) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175). 

Article 201 penalizes "immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows." 

Judge Czarina Samonte-Villanueva penned the decision. 

“Wherefore, premises considered, for failure of the prosecution to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt, Amadeus Fernando Pagente, also known as Pura Luka Vega, is hereby acquitted for violation Article 201 (2)(b)(3) and (2)(b)(5) of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Republic Act 10175," the ruling read. 

On X (formerly Twitter), Pura Luka Vega also shared this part of the ruling and said “Thank you for this wonderful news."

"One more case left. Laban lang,” the drag artist added.

Thank you for this wonderful news. ???? One more case left. Laban lang. ???????? pic.twitter.com/ac4IeA0CQ8

In its ruling, the Manila court said, “Though the prosecution fell short of the required quantum of proof in the prosecution of the criminal case, the Court takes this opportunity to remind Pura Luka 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. It is basic in the concept of social coexistence." 

“This is not to curtail his freedom or rights nor to regulate his acts to belong to a presumed majority but more to be compassionate on the community as a whole, especially with the accessibility of social media which makes it easy to record, upload and circulate materials which are readily available for consumption of the public," it added. 

The court also ordered the release of the bond amounting to P72,000 that Pura Luka Vega posted for their provisional liberty. 

In August 2023, the Hijos Del Nazareno, devotees of the Black Nazarene, filed a complaint against Pura Luka Vega over their viral "Ama Namin" drag performance, while dressed in Jesus Christ's likeness back in July 2023. 

In their complaint, the group said the artist's "acts and actuations constitute a direct attack on our Lord, our God and savior, Jesus Christ." 

In an exclusive interview with GMA News Online in July 2023, the artist said that their "intent was to embody a version of Christ that is one with the queer audience."In August 2023,

In October of that year, Luka was arrested after complaints were filed against them due to the same viral performance. They were also declared persona non grata in various cities like Manila, Cebu City, General Santos City, Laguna, and many more.

Their fellow drag artists mounted a fundraising show to help with the bail and raised P892,975.60 in donations. Luka was released on bail after three days in jail.

In December 2023, Luka celebrated the dismissal of "at least one" case filed against them.—Nika Roque/CDC/VBL, GMA Integrated News