The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Bohol has declared Mr. Amadeus Fernando
Pagente, also known as “Pura Luka Vega,” a Persona Non Grata in the province for his
controversial dance performance that mocked Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith.
The SP, led by Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite, unanimously adopted a resolution
on August 22, 2023, expressing their strong disapproval of Pagente’s actions that
“promote disrespect and disharmony within the community.”
Pagente, a 33-year-old from Dipolog City, Zamboanga Del Norte, gained widespread
attention after a video of him dancing to a remixed version of the prayer “Ama Namin”
while portraying Jesus of Nazareth went viral on social media.
The video was taken at a bar in Cebu City, where Pagente was performing as a drag
queen under the stage name “Pura Luka Vega.”
The SP resolution stated that the portrayal of religious figures in a manner that is
disrespectful or offensive to the religious sentiments of individuals and communities is
not conducive to promoting harmony and mutual respect within our society.
The resolution also stated that the province of Bohol values its diverse population and
aims to uphold respect for all religious beliefs, traditions, and practices.
The SP clarified that the declaration of Pagente as a Persona Non Grata is not intended
to limit or infringe upon his rights, but rather to express the assembly’s collective opinion
and sentiment.
A copy of the resolution was furnished to Pagente and other concerned parties for
information and appropriate action.

The SP’s action was met with mixed reactions from netizens, with some praising the
assembly for standing up for their faith and values, while others criticizing it for being
intolerant and discriminatory.
“There are other more pressing issues in Bohol that need the utmost attention in Bohol
but where are the SP officials. Why are they not speaking out?” said a comment on
DYTR Facebook page.
“Gaya gaya puto maya,” the commenter said, referring to the same declaration made by
other provinces and cities.
VEGA REACTS
Mr. Amadeus Fernando Pagente, also known as “Pura Luka Vega,” has issued a
defiant statement in response to the persona non grata declarations made by some
cities and municipalities in the country due to his controversial “Ama Namin” remix
performance.
In a video posted on his Facebook page, Pagente said that he does not care about the
declarations and that he will continue to express himself through his art.
“DAGDAGAN NIYO PA! PAKIALAM KO. Hindi ako natatakot sa mga persona non grata
na yan. Hindi niyo ako mapipigilan sa pagpapakita ng aking talento at pagiging totoo sa
aking sarili,” Pagente said in the video.
Pagente also said that he respects the religious beliefs of others, but he also expects
them to respect his artistic freedom and personal choices.
“Respeto lang po. Respetuhin niyo ang aking paniniwala at karapatan bilang isang tao
at artista. Hindi ko naman sinisiraan ang Diyos o ang simbahan. Ginagamit ko lang ang
aking sining para magbigay ng saya at inspirasyon sa iba,” he added.
Pagente’s statement came after several local government units, such as Bohol, Cebu
City, and Zamboanga City, declared him persona non grata for his dance performance
that mocked Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith.
The persona non grata declarations are expressions of strong disapproval and
condemnation from the local officials and residents, but they do not have any legal
effect or sanction on Pagente.
Pagente’s “Ama Namin” remix performance went viral on social media after a video of
him dancing to a remixed version of the prayer “Ama Namin” while portraying Jesus of
Nazareth was taken at a bar in Cebu City, where he was performing as a drag queen
under the stage name “Pura Luka Vega.”
The video sparked outrage and criticism from many netizens, especially Catholics, who
found it blasphemous and offensive.
Pagente has not apologized for his performance, saying that it was his way of
expressing his faith and identity.
He also said that he has received support and encouragement from some people who
appreciated his art and courage.

Pagente is a 33-year-old from Dipolog City, Zamboanga Del Norte, who works as a call
center agent and a drag queen.
He said that he started doing drag shows as a hobby and a form of therapy after he was
diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
He said that he chose the name “Pura Luka Vega” because it means “pure light” in
Spanish.