Pura Luka Vega files motion to reduce bail, remains in police custody

Pura Luka Vega has filed a motion for bail on Thursday following their arrest due to a complaint filed by a religious group against their viral "Ama Namin" performance.

"Drag Den" creator Rod Singh posted an update on the drag queen's situation on X (formerly Twitter), saying that they are still under custody of the Manila Police District.

Pura Luka Vega also filed to reduce the bail bond, which is pegged at P72,000. The prosecutor must file a comment or opposition in 24 hours.

"We will be on standby at court tomorrow for the decision regarding our motion for bail. We are also currently working on the other requirements for their eventual release," Singh said.

"We are hopeful that our motion will be swiftly granted as bail is a matter of right," she added.

Pura Luka Vega is represented by the Burkley and Aquino Law Office.

Devotees of the Black Nazarene, the Hijos del Nazareno, filed a case against Pura for allegedly violating Revised Penal Code Article 201, which imposes a penalty for "immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows."

The drag queen is facing three other complaints in Quezon City and two with the National Bureau of Investigation.

According to Rod Singh, Pura's lawyers will explore remedies to reopen the preliminary investigation at prosecutor level, quash the complaint filed against them, and challenge the Revised Penal Code Article 201 (2)(b)(3)as unconstitutional.

The said provision penalizes those who offend race or religion in theaters, fairs, cinematographs and other places, whether live or in film.

In an interview with Raffy Tima on "24 Oras," Pura said they were surprised to be served the warrant of arrest on Wednesday, as they did not receive the subpoena summoning them to court. They said the document was delivered to another address. 

They also reiterated that their "Ama Namin" performance was not meant to be disrespectful to people of faith.

"My intention was never to mock. I also would not like to invalidate their feelings. If they feel hurt or they feel offended, it's their right to feel such," they said.

In an exclusive interview with GMA News Online, Pura Luka Vega previously said that their "Ama Namin" performance was their way to reconcile their Catholic faith with their queerness.

"I just want to create a narrative that despite all of these, Jesus, as the embodiment of God's love for all, does not forget about the oppressed, including the LGBTQIA+ community," they said.

The Philippine drag community has been supporting Pura Luka Vega. "Drag Den Philippines" host Manila Luzon called for donations to raise the needed amount for Pura's bail.

As of writing, the hashtag #FreePuraLuka Vega is the no. 1 top trending topic on X. Pura's drag sisters Eva Le Queen, ØV CÜNT, Marina Summers, Minty Fresh, Deedee Marie Holiday, expressed their support.

Miss Trans Global 2020 Mela Habijan also joined her voice to those saying that "drag is not a crime."

RE: PURA LUKA VEGA’S ARREST YESTERDAY. #FreePuraLukaVega #DragIsArt #DragIsNotACrime pic.twitter.com/zsWzhBzwTC

— rod singh (@iamrodafrog) October 5, 2023

—MGP, GMA Integrated News