Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 15) — Laguna province and Cagayan de Oro City have joined the list of localities that have declared Pura Luka Vega persona non grata over the drag queen’s controversial “Ama Namin” performance.
“We have successfully declared Mr. Amadeus Fernando Pagente aka Pura Luka Vega as persona non grata in our beloved province,” Laguna board member Christian Niño Lajara said in a Facebook post on Monday.
Lajara said the resolution was unanimously approved by members of the Laguna Provincial Council.
“It is our duty to uphold the values of respect and dignity towards our fellow individuals,” he added. “We should not tolerate any attacks or disrespect towards our cultures and beliefs.”
The local official said the declaration is a reminder to everyone that being a celebrity should never be an excuse to offend or insult beliefs and traditions.
Vega has also been declared persona non grata in the City of Manila, Bukidnon, Floridablanca town in Pampanga, Toboso town in Negros Occidental, and the City of General Santos in South Cotabato.
In July, Vega released a video performing a rock version of “Ama Namin,” the Filipino version of the Lord’s Prayer, while wearing a drag outfit meant to resemble Jesus Christ.
It drew flak from religious sectors and politicians, though Vega said it was meant to challenge notions of praise and worship, and not to blaspheme or disrespect.
Cagayan de Oro made the same move during the regular session of the city council on Monday. It approved a resolution, authored by Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya, declaring Vega unwelcome in the locality due to “sacrilegious acts.”
