The Senate is investigating reports of an alleged marijuana odor inside its Pasay City premises, after a staff member identified in an incident report as Nadia Montenegro was linked to the case.
According to the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA), the first complaint was raised in mid-July, when personnel on the fifth floor reported an unusual smell. Security staff checked the area but found no evidence of smoking. The matter resurfaced on August 12, when a male staffer from Senator Panfilo Lacson’s office detected what seemed like marijuana smoke coming from the ladies’ restroom. At the time, only Montenegro was reportedly inside.
Montenegro, who also worked as an actress before joining Senator Robin Padilla’s staff, denied smoking or using marijuana. She admitted, however, that she had a vape device in her bag and suggested that it may have been the source of the odor.
The incident prompted Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to order a formal investigation. Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. confirmed that the OSAA submitted its report on August 14, with copies forwarded to Padilla’s office.
Padilla’s chief of staff, Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado, said Montenegro has been directed to submit a written explanation by August 18. He also clarified that while Montenegro has gone on leave of absence effective August 13, she has not resigned, contrary to rumors circulating online.
“The leave of absence is part of the internal procedure while the matter is being investigated,” Jurado said.
As the Senate continues its inquiry, Padilla’s office reiterated that due process will be observed and Montenegro will be given the opportunity to explain her side.
