Pura Luka Vega declared persona non grata in Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Cagayan De Oro

Pura Luka Vega has been declared persona non grata anew, this time in the provinces of Laguna, Nueva Ecija, and Cagayan De Oro.

Laguna board member Christian Niño Lajara said on Facebook Tuesday that the resolution was approved by all members of the Laguna Provincial Council.

“As leaders of our province, it is our duty to uphold the values of respect and dignity towards our fellow individuals. We should not tolerate any attacks or disrespect towards our cultures and beliefs,” Lajara wrote.

“By declaring Persona Non Grata, we are reminding everyone that being a celebrity or personality should never be an excuse to offend or insult our traditions and beliefs,” he added. Lajara said that Laguna stands with other local governments “in expressing our dismay and disappointment[.]”

Meanwhile, the Cagayan de Oro local government also unanimously passed a resolution against Pura for her “sacrilegious acts.” Its principal author is Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya.

In Nueva Ecija, the resolution was submitted by 3rd District Board Member Jojo Matias, who said, “Walang puwang ang hindi marunong rumespeto sa damdaming relihiyoso dito sa Nueva Ecija.”

Pura Luka Vega, born Amadeus Fernando Pagente, was earlier declared as persona non grata in General Santos City, Floridablanca in Pampanga, Toboso in Negros Occidental, and the City of Manila, following his performance of a rock remix of "Ama Namin," dressed in a costume inspired by the Black Nazarene.

Politicians and netizens have called the performance blasphemous.

In an exclusive interview with GMA News Online, the drag artist said her "Ama Namin" performance wasn't meant to be disrespectful and that the song is her way to reconcile her Catholic faith with her queerness. Performing it in public is an "embodiment of God's love for all."

"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," she added.

The “Drag Den” contestant also said she understood "that people call my performance blasphemous, offensive or regrettable."

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri earlier said that Pura Luka Vega may face criminal charges.

On Twitter, Pura Luka Vega reacted to her persona non grata status in Manila, standing by her words that her performance is art.

— Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News