The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 184 has acquitted drag performer Amadeus Fernando Pagente, popularly known as Pura Luka Vega, of criminal charges related to his controversial ‘Ama Namin’ drag performance.
In a 20-page decision dated June 10, 2025, Presiding Judge Czarina Samonte-Villanueva ruled that the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Pagente violated Article 201 (2)(b)(3) and (2)(b)(5) of the Revised Penal Code, which pertains to “immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows,” in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175).
The case stemmed from a viral 2023 performance in which Pagente, dressed in a Jesus-like costume, danced to a remixed version of the Catholic prayer ‘Ama Namin.’The performance drew sharp criticism from religious groups, particularly the Hijos del Nazareno, who filed the complaint alleging it was blasphemous and offensive to Christian beliefs.
Judge Samonte-Villanueva acknowledged the offense taken by some sectors but emphasized the insufficiency of legal grounds for conviction. “Though the prosecution fell short of the required quantum of proof… the Court takes this opportunity to remind Pura Luka to be circumspect in his choice of medium or subject of his performances as a drag artist, taking into account the society he belongs to,” the court noted.
During the trial, the prosecution presented members of the Hijos del Nazareno who had seen the performance. In contrast, the defense included testimony from UP art professor Lisa Ito-Tapang, who asserted that art has no theoretical limits and warned of a chilling effect on artistic freedom if the case proceeded.
Pagente himself testified, explaining that the performance was intended to explore how Jesus might engage with the LGBTQIA+ community. “If Jesus were alive, he would welcome everyone, including queer people,” he said.
In its ruling, the court clarified that while the performance may have been offensive to some, it did not constitute an indecent or immoral act as defined by law. The court noted there was no sexually suggestive content, only expressive movements such as headbanging and audience engagement.
The court also ordered the release of Pagente’s P72,000 bail.
Following the verdict, Pura Luka Vega took to X (formerly Twitter) to express gratitude: “Thank you for this wonderful news. One more case left. Laban lang.”
Pagente remains persona non grata in several localities, including Manila, Laguna, Cebu City, and General Santos City, due to the backlash over the performance.
