Pura Luka Vega declared persona non grata in Manila City

Pura Luka Vega has been declared persona non grata in the City of Manila, meaning she is no longer welcome in the city.

According to a report on DZBB Super Radyo, it was a unanimous decision by the city’s council to pass the resolution.

This is following Pura Luka Vega’s remix performance of “Ama Namin” in a costume inspired by the Black Nazarene, which the councilors regarded as offensive.

The report added that District 5 Councilor Atty. Jaybee Hizon said that freedom of speech should not be used to insult or offend religions.

The councilors added that the Black Nazarene is important to the city, as it is where the annual Traslacion is held.

Other provinces that have declared Pura Luka Vega as persona non grata include General Santos City, Floridablanca in Pampanga, and Toboso in Negros Occidental.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri also 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.

"Tell me exactly what I did wrong," Luka said. "I'm open for a dialogue, and yet cities have been declaring persona non grata without even knowing me or understanding the intent of the performance."

Tell me EXACTLY what I did wrong. I’m open for a dialogue and yet cities have been declaring persona non grata without even knowing me or understanding the intent of the performance. Drag is art. You judge me yet you don’t even know me. ????‍?? https://t.co/dprxdySjkD

— Pura Luka Vega ???? (@ama_survivah) August 10, 2023

In an exclusive interview with GMA News Online, the drag artist said that 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." —Nika Roque/JCB/MGP, GMA Integrated News