Catholic church group Hijos Del Nazareno (HDN) - Central on Thursday filed a criminal case against drag artist Pura Luka Vega over her viral performance wherein she used the upbeat and remix version of "Ama Namin" or The Lord's Prayer while she was clad in a Black Nazarene costume.
Devotees of the HDN - Central charged Pura Luka with an alleged violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 before the Manila City Prosecutors Office.
In an interview with the media, the Catholic church group said the viral drag performance of Pura Luka, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente, was a "high degree of blasphemy" against Jesus Christ.
"Ang resulta nito ay malalim na sugat sa aspetong ispiritual, moral, at mental sa ating mga Pilipino, bilang mamamayan na naniniwala na ang Diyos ay buhay at naninirahan sa puso ng bawat isa sa atin," they added.
The HDN - Central stressed that an attack against Jesus Christ is also an attack against them and their beliefs.
They said that they will revoke the case once Pura Luka will apologize to the priests of Quiapo Church for her action.
"Lahat naman tayo ay nagkakamali at may kahinaan. Nararapat lamang po na unawain natin kung kikilalin na siya ay may pagkakamali at gusto magwasto," the Catholic church group said.
"Hindi naman po kami para hindi magpatawad," they added.
HDN Central President Val Samia also underscored that the viral drag performance was a blatant disrespect to their belief and devotion.
"Ang tanong ko lang sa maski sino, kung ayun ho bang paniniwala ninyo, yung matatakbuhan niyo at hindi kayo iniiwan katulad ng ating Panginoong Hesu-kristo. Ano ang gagawin ninyo? 'Diba gano'n din po?" he said.
Several cities across the country have declared the drag queen as persona non grata.
Among these are the City of Manila, Bukidnon, Floridablanca town in Pampanga, Toboso town in Negros Occidental, City of General Santos in South Cotabato, Laguna, and Cagayan de Oro.
Last August 1, leaders of Christian churches under the Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM) charged Pura Luka with alleged violation of Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code and in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
