QC court dismisses 3 cases vs. Pura Luka Vega

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court has dismissed all three criminal cases against Amadeus Fernando Pagente, also known as Pura Luka Vega. 

In a 25-page joint resolution dated September 19, a copy of which was obtained by GMA News Online from Pura Luka Vega's camp, the Quezon City RTC Branch 306 granted the drag artist's demurrer to evidence, dismissing the three counts of violation of Article 201 par. 2(b)(3) of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) in relation to Sec. 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 they were charged with. 

Article 201 penalizes "immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows." 

QC RTC Branch 306 Judge Dolly Rose R. Bolante-Prado penned the decision. 

Demurrer to evidence is a legal mechanism asserting that the evidence presented by the prosecution is insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Quezon City court cited two major issues for the reasons for dismissal: exclusion of key video evidence and lack of legal standing to file the case.

Under the first issue, the court stated that the prosecution failed to properly prove the authenticity and integrity of the primary video evidence used to show Pura Luka Vega's performance. 

Under the second issue, the court found that the three private complainants did not have the legal right or legal personality to file the cases.

With the granting of the demurrer to evidence, the court said that the evidence presented was insufficient to sustain a guilty verdict.

The cases are therefore ordered dismissed.

Luka told GMA News Online on Friday that they are still waiting for the decision to be finalized, as the complainants may still file a motion for reconsideration.

They also shared a part of the ruling on X (formerly Twitter), and wrote, “Prayers answered. Thank you Lord!”

Prayers answered.
Thank you Lord! ?????????? https://t.co/uTqKDWlpGu pic.twitter.com/bYOH518T3T

— Pura Luka Vega ???? (@puralukavega) September 19, 2025

In August 2023, the Hijos Del Nazareno filed a complaint against Pura Luka Vega over their viral "Ama Namin" drag performance, while dressed in Jesus Christ's likeness.

In their complaint, the group said the artist's "acts and actuations constitute a direct attack on our Lord, our God and savior, Jesus Christ." 

In an exclusive interview with GMA News Online in July 2023, the artist said that their "intent was to embody a version of Christ that is one with the queer audience."

In June 2025, Pura was also acquitted by the Manila Regional Trial Court of charges of violating Article 201. 

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC/VBL, GMA Integrated News