Court grants Pura Luka Vega's motion for bail, remains under police custody for submission of requirements

Pura Luka Vega’s motion for bail was granted on Friday, but the drag artist will remain under police custody until the court opens again for the submission of requirements.

Their “Drag Den Philippines” batchmate, NAIA Black, shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), which was reshared by director Rod Singh.

“UPDATE: Pura Luka Vega will stay in police custody. The motion for bail was granted later this afternoon after a clarificatory hearing but unfortunately, the court is already closed for the submission of the requirements for release,” NAIA said.

Pura Luka Vega was arrested on Wednesday due to a complaint filed by a religious group against their viral "Ama Namin" performance.

Following this, they filed a motion for bail, including a request to reduce the bail bond, which is pegged at P72,000.

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

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."

In an interview with Raffy Tima on "24 Oras," Pura said they were surprised to be served the warrant of arrest 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.

Pura Luka Vega made headlines in July after his remixed version of the "Ama Namin" went viral, drawing criticism on social media. 

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UPDATE RE: PLV #FreePuraLukaVega https://t.co/yWrh71GBzs

— rod singh (@iamrodafrog) October 6, 2023

 

— Carby Basina/LA, GMA Integrated News