Cebu City is the latest addition to an ever-growing list of localities that have declared controversial drag artist Pura Luka Vega persona non grata. Vega (real name Amadeus Fernando Pagente) drew flak last July from performing to a rock version of “Ama Namin” while dressed in a drag outfit portraying Jesus Christ. But what does it mean to be declared persona non grata in the Philippines?

Persona non grata in the Philippines

Before Cebu City council gave the persona non grata status to Vega, other localities that made the same move included Laguna, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos City, Manila City, Bukidnon, Floridablanca in Pampanga, and Toboso town in Negros Occidental.

What does persona non grata mean?

Cambridge Dictionary described persona non grata as “a person who is not wanted or welcome in a particular country, because they are unacceptable to its government.” The phrase directly translates to “unwanted person” in English.

While many believe that the “persona non grata” status means that someone is no longer allowed to step foot in these places, that actually isn’t the case. According to one Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) opinion, declaring someone a persona non grata simply expresses the sentiment of the local legislature. These declarations alone don’t actually have any legal implications. In other words, it doesn’t mean that they will be barred from entering or get arrested. 

Other notable local personalities that are declared personae non gratae in the Philippines include Ai-Ai Delas Alas and Darryl Yap in Quezon City, for disrespecting the city’s official seal, and Ramon Bautista in Davao City for saying a rude remark about its citizens. Meanwhile, foreigners like Alec Baldwin and Claire Danes, are banned from entering the Philippines.

Can Pura Luka Vega redeem her status?

pic.twitter.com/xGF8BWFUs1

— Pura Luka Vega 🙃 (@ama_survivah) August 15, 2023

Fortunately for the drag queen, a persona non grata declaration can be revoked. But Vega has to first talk to the cities and localities involved and ask for forgiveness for offending them. They can then settle on an agreement and then hopefully change her status.

But what has the drag queen have to say about the whole controversy? On August 10, Vega posted a statement on X that reads:

“Tell me EXACTLY what I did wrong. I’m open for a dialogue and yet cities have been declaring persona non grata without even knowing me or understanding the intent of the performance. Drag is art. You judge me yet you don’t even know me.”

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