Drag artist Pura Luka Vega faces cybercrime raps

MANILA, Philippines — A group of social media broadcasters yesterday filed a criminal complaint for offending religious feelings against drag artist Pura Luka Vega before the Pasay City prosecutor’s office.

The Kapisanan ng mga Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas Inc. (KSMBPI) filed charges against Pura for allegedly violating Article 113 of the Revised Penal Code or offending religious feelings in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

KSMBPI lawyer Mark Tolentino posted the charges filed by the group on his personal Facebook account.

In a report on dzBB, Tolentino said the complaints stemmed from the video posted on Pura’s TikTok account, where the drag artist can be seen dancing while holding a sacred host and wearing a Black Nazarene-inspired costume.

The group said it was “extremely hurt” by the act, adding it was offending, especially in a predominantly Catholic country.

On Oct. 4, Pura, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente, was arrested on charges of “immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, as well as indecent shows” filed by a religious group.

The charges stemmed from Pura’s viral “Ama Namin” performance that drew backlash from the public and several religious groups.

The drag artist is out on bail.