THE Manila Regional Trial Court has acquitted drag artist Pura Luka Vega of cybercrime charges related to his controversial portrayal of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo Church.
In a 20-page decision penned by Judge Czarina Samonte-Villanueva of the Manila RTC Branch 184 date June 10, 2025, Vega, also known as Amadeus Fernando Pagente was acquitted of charges for violating Article 201 (2)(b)(3) which penalizes “immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows” and (2)(b)(5) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175).
“Wherefore, premises considered, for failure of the prosecution to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt, Amadeus Fernando Pagente, also known as Pura Luka Vega, is hereby acquitted for violation Article 201 (2)(b)(3) and (2)(b)(5) of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Republic Act 10175,” the ruling stated.
The court, however, reminded Vega to be circumspect in his choice of medium or subject of his performances as a drag artist taking into account the society he belongs to which is basic in the concept of social coexistence.
“This is not to curtail his freedom or rights nor to regulate his acts to belong to a presumed majority but more to be compassionate on the community as a whole, especially with the accessibility of social media which makes it easy to record, upload and circulate materials which are readily available for consumption of the public,” the court added.
Vega expressed happiness over his acquittal.
“Thank you for this wonderful news. One more case left. Laban lang,” he said in a social media post. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)
Click Here For The Original Source.
