Pura Luka Vega declared persona non grata in Cagayan de Oro, Laguna

Two more local governments have declared Pura Luka Vega persona non grata for performing a remix version of “Ama Namin,” which went viral on social media last month.

Members of the Cagayan de Oro City Council passed a resolution on Monday saying the drag performer was not welcome in the city because her conduct demonstrated “serious disrespect and mockery of the Christian faith.”

The resolution was introduced by Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya.

In Laguna, Board Member Christian Niño Lajara announced on Facebook that the provincial board also denounced the drag artist’s actions on Monday.

“As leaders of our province, it is our duty to uphold the values of respect and dignity towards our fellow individuals. We should not tolerate any attacks or disrespect towards our cultures and beliefs,” Lajara said.

“By declaring persona non grata, we are reminding everyone that being a celebrity or personality should never be an excuse to offend or insult our traditions and beliefs,” he added.

The local governments of Manila, General Santos City, Floridablanca in Pampanga, Toboso in Negros Occidental, Nueva Ecija, and Bukidnon had also declared Pura Luka Vega, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente, persona non grata over her performance.

Last week, Pura Luka Vega said local governments should try to have a dialogue with her or understand her first before condemning her and declaring her unwelcome in their jurisdictions.

“Tell me EXACTLY what I did wrong,” she said on X.

“I’m open for a dialogue, and yet cities have been declaring [me] persona non grata without even knowing me or understanding the intent of the performance,” she added.

She insisted that her performance was a form of “art” and said she should not be judged hastily.

“Drag is art. You judge me, yet you don’t even know me,” she said.