On July 12, Kapuso head writer Suzette Doctolero and artist EJ Jallorina shared their thoughts on Pura Luka Vega’s controversial ‘Ama Namin’ drag performance.
Via Twitter, Doctolero described the performance as ‘offensive’ and ‘blasphemy.’
Offensive. Blasphemy. https://t.co/Vn37viI9cS
— Suzette S. Doctolero (@SuziDoctolero) July 11, 2023
She also discussed the responsibility of artists that comes with the privilege of dissecting themes from cultures and beliefs.
1. Artists have the privilege to dissect themes from cultures and beliefs not our own but we should always be held liable for how we depict these. Uunlad ba ang humanity at isip ng kapwa tao, sa art o content na gagawin? Nag iinspire ba ito sa kapwa? Para maging mabuting tao?
— Suzette S. Doctolero (@SuziDoctolero) July 12, 2023
However, she clarified that despite finding Vega’s performance blasphemous, Doctolero would still support the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression) Equality Bill.
2. O ito ay nakaka offend ng anumang beliefs? Ng ating kapwa? Blasphemous para sa akin ang depiction sa Lord’s Prayer. But hindi pa rin nito mababago ang aking suporta sa sogie bill at sa buong lgbt community.
— Suzette S. Doctolero (@SuziDoctolero) July 12, 2023
Doctolero classified the drag performer’s number as a ‘provocative art.’
3. Yung ginawa nung drag performer ay provocative art. Offensive talaga ang technique na ito. Dahil dito, kaya nagtagumpay ang “artist” na magkaroon ng debate sa ginawa niya kasi yun naman ang purpose ng artform na ito, ang magkaroon ng debate.
— Suzette S. Doctolero (@SuziDoctolero) July 12, 2023
She then reiterated her stance about the performance being offensive.
4. So ito ba ay offensive? Yes. Offensive talaga at di ko gets why may mga nagdedeny na offensive ito. E offensive nga. At yun nga ang point ng provocative art. Ang maging offensive para itaas ang usapin o debate.
— Suzette S. Doctolero (@SuziDoctolero) July 12, 2023
Jallorina, a friend of Vega, posted a meme photo of them together in a religious imagery.
As a legit #BatangQuiapo, i am always #blessedt when art & faith collides… sa pelikulang panamagataang… pic.twitter.com/konNUtZNbQ
— ej jallorina (@ejjallorina) July 12, 2023
Vega trended online after her video of ‘Ama Namin’ drag performance became viral. The Drag Den with Manila Luzon contestant’s act earned mixed reactions, with most expressing outrage over the religious implications of it.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) also decried the drag act, with Spokesperson Fr. Jerome Secilliano describing it as ‘disrespectful.’
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri also voiced the same sentiments, citing the possibility of filing a criminal case against Pura Luka Vega through the Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code.
The Article 201 (b) of the Revised Penal Code states that ‘those who offend any race or religion in theaters, fairs, cinematographs or any other place, exhibit, indecent or immoral plays, scenes, acts or shows, whether live or in film, may face a penalty or a fine ranging from P6,000 to P12,000 or both.’
Previously, Vega shared about drag being political during the press run of Drag Den with Manila Luzon.
