Hijos to consult lawyers on Pura Luka acquittal

MANILA, Philippines —  Devotees of the Black Nazarene will seek the advice of priests and lawyers if they should elevate to the Court of Appeals their case against drag artist Pura Luka Vega.

On Tuesday, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 184 acquitted Vega of cybercrime over his impersonation of the Nazarene during a performance of an “Ama Namin” remix, which went viral online.

“We tried to establish the holiness of Jesus Nazareno, but ‘freedom’ prevailed over what is appropriate,” Alex Irasga, technical adviser of the Hijos del Nazareno Central, said.

Vega, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente, said the acquittal marked a triumph for freedom of expression and democracy.