The local governments of Manila City and Bukidnon province respectively declared drag artist Pura Luka Vega as persona non grata due to her viral video wherein she impersonated the Black Nazarene and performed a remix version of "Ama Namin" or The Lord's Prayer in a club.
In a statement, Manila’s 12th City Council said the declaration was agreed upon during its regular session held last Tuesday, August 8.
“Pinatawan ng Persona Non Grata si Amadeus Fernando Pagente o mas kilala bilang Pura Luka Vega dahil sa kaniyang hindi pagbibigay ng respeto sa relihiyong Kristyanismo o Katoliko,” it said, adding that this decision was just appropriate.
Councilor Ricardo ‘Boy’ Isip Jr., the city council member who pushed the declaration, underscored that Pura Luka’s viral video was a blatant “disrespect” to the city.
“Agad naghayad ng pagsuporta sa resolusyon ang buong konseho na sadyang ipinadama ang kani-kanilang saloobin,” Manila’s 12th City Council said.
Meanwhile, the province of Bukidnon released Resolution No. 2023-2074 declaring Pura Luka as persona non grata.
The resolution was approved by Provincial Vice Governor Clive Quiño and 14 board members.
Earlier this month, the drag queen was also proclaimed as persona non-grata in Toboso, Negros Occidental.
On July 18, the local government of General Santos City first declared Pura as persona non grata.
“Persona non grata” is a Latin term that translates to an "unwelcome person.”
