MANILA, Philippines - The Pasay City government will deploy personnel to monitor the two-day show of US pop star Lady Gaga at the SM Mall of Asia Arena next week to ensure that rules stipulated in the concert permit will be observed.
Mayor Antonino Calixto said the move was in res-ponse to a warning raised in a letter by former Manila mayor Lito Atienza and lawyer Romulo Macalintal that Lady Gaga may be penalized or even arrested if she sings her controversial song “Judas,” which they believe mocks Jesus Christ.
“Although we respect artistic and musical expressions, I won’t allow anyone or any group to provide acts which may be questionable in a way at any venue under my jurisdiction. We reminded the producers of Lady Gaga’s concert that the show and the event as a whole shall not exhibit any nudity or lewd conduct which may be offensive to morals and good customs,” Calixto said.
“I have instructed all the concerned departments of the city government to closely monitor the two-night event. I formed an inspection team headed by our legal officer to monitor the concert,” Calixto said.
About 200 Christian youths marched in Manila for a second straight day yesterday, holding placards urging the pop singer to “respect our faith, stop the blasphemy.”
Riot police stopped protesters about a kilometer away from the concert venue. Phalanxes of security guards stood on alert in front of the arena.
The Biblemode Youth Philippines members plan to hold a vigil starting today near the concert venue. They said they are offended by Lady Gaga’s music, particularly her song “Judas.”
“She declared a distorted view toward Jesus Christ and for us Biblical Christians it is offensive,” said Ruben Abante, a protest leader. “Her music and everything about her is different from what our values are.”
Organizers from Ovation Productions said they respect the beliefs of critics but promised that the performances “will not pose a threat to their sense of morality and conduct.”
Under Philippine law, people who make offensive remarks on another’s race or religion can be sentenced to up to six years in prison, although no one has been convicted recently.