A recent study from Capstone-Intel Corporation showed that Pura Luka Vega received 75 percent negative mentions across all social and non-social media platforms and a 57 percent laughing reaction due to the artist’s arrest.
“There really is a diverse reaction to Pura Luka Vega’s arrest, as the Philippines is a Catholic majority country and all our values and beliefs are deeply rooted in Catholicism,” says Capstone-Intel, a private research and intelligence company.
Pura Luka Vega, also known as Amadeus Fernando Pagente, was detained on October 4, for his involvement in the June performance of Ama Namin, a punk rock rendition of the Lord’s Prayer, during a Pride event in Manila.
The video gained widespread attention afterward and was criticized by prominent religious leaders and politicians. The performance was deemed “blasphemous” and “disrespectful to the church” by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the Philippines for Jesus Movement and other Christian groups filed a criminal complaint, leading to the artist being labeled “persona non grata” in 17 places around the country.
Vega, 33, was indicted with violating a rule that forbids “indecent or immoral plays, scenes, acts, or shows” that “offend any race or religion.” Possible penalties include a 12-year prison sentence and hefty fines.
However, days after the artist’s arrest, Vega was released from jail after they posted bail.
“Pura’s arrest is a stark reminder that the Filipino people, despite their democratic culture, are still grappling with the readiness to fully embrace contemporary ways of expression and that Catholicism remains traditional up to this day; that’s why it was heavily reacted negatively online,” the agency added.
According to Capstone-Intel, it is noteworthy to understand that Filipinos will react resentfully to their performance since expression is subjective and may “elicit discomfort” to some audiences, but she highlighted that it’s important to prioritize issues aimed at uplifting the lives of Filipinos.
“The dismissal of individuals’ reactions about Pura Luka Vega’s drag performance cannot be disregarded, as artistic expression is subjective and may elicit discomfort in certain individuals. However, it is imperative to recognize that the Philippines confronts an array of significant challenges, necessitating our focus on addressing urgent problems that aim to enhance the overall living conditions and well-being of all Filipino citizens,” it said.
****
