Mixed reactions of netizens resurfaced on the Internet following the arrest of Drag Den Philippines’ alum Pura Luka Vega.
Pura Luka Vega, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente, is a Drag Den Philippines season 1 contestant in late 2022. The drag performer uses the pronouns they/them and is known for their “Ama Namin” remix drag performance.
Months after the controversial video of Pura Luka Vega performing to “Ama Namin” remix went viral, the Drag Den Philippines alum was arrested by police on October 4, after failing to attend the preliminary investigations of the criminal case filed against them.
The drag performer was detained at the Manila Police Station 3 in Sta. Cruz. They face the following charges: “immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows.”
As of writing, Pura Luka Vega is still in police custody and hasn’t posted bail amounting to P72,000.
A post was later shared by Pura Luka Vega on Instagram on the details of their arrest, stating that “Drag is not a crime.”
courtesy: instagram.com / @puralukavega
Right after the news broke out, netizens immediately voiced their reaction to the situation.
Hashtags such as #FreePuraLukaVega and #DragIsNotACrime began to surface on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. This is to drum up support for Pura Luka Vega.
One X user questioned, “Why then is white savior complex Jesus revered while drag makeup remix Jesus is jailed?”
courtesy: twitter.com / @kumukuan
Some people wondered why Marlon Tapalord was still free despite portraying a satirical Jesus Christ on social media.
courtesy: twitter.com / @robismore
One X user called out the hypocrisy against religious people by sharing a Bible verse quoting, “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.”
Courtesy: twitter.com / @ajay_lagrimas
In a post, an X user claimed, “We shouldn’t live in a world where our artistic expression and freedom is suppressed.”
courtesy: twitter.com / @shewarmarise
While some netizens are defending Pura Luka Vega’s arrest, others are saying how the punishment being meted against them is too much.
courtesy: twitter.com / @emman_well11
courtesy: twitter.com / @a_Lbert08
Courtesy: twitter.com / @neiltala
Meanwhile, a netizen pointed out how drag isn’t a crime but disrespecting the religion and the beliefs of others.
An X user pointed out how Pura Luka Vega’s influence can affect future norms if their behavior continues to be tolerated.
courtesy: twitter.com / @Ater_1829
Meanwhile, an X user claimed that Pura Luka Vega deserved to be locked up for being arrogant.
courtesy: twitter.com / @Winwineklabu
