Actress Nadia Montenegro asked to take leave from Senator Padilla’s office amid senate drug probe
• Actress and staff member Nadia Montenegro was asked to take a leave of absence from Senator Robin Padilla's office amid a drug probe
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• The Senate's Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) report named Montenegro in an incident involving an "unusual scent" believed to be marijuana
• While she denied smoking marijuana, Montenegro reportedly acknowledged having a vape that could have caused the smell
• The incident has led to renewed calls for mandatory and random drug testing for all Senate employees
A scandal has shaken the halls of the Philippine Senate after actress Nadia Montenegro, a political officer for Senator Robin Padilla, was directed to take a leave of absence pending an investigation into her alleged use of marijuana within the legislative building.
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The directive, issued on August 13, came as the Senate's Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) launched a full-scale probe into a report of a suspicious odor near senators' offices.
Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado, Chief of Staff for Senator Padilla, confirmed the decision in a statement, clarifying that Montenegro's departure is temporary and not a resignation.
"Nadia Montenegro did not resign from our office. She is only on leave," Jurado stated, a point he has repeatedly emphasized in media interviews to quell rumors.
The internal investigation by Padilla's office was reportedly initiated on the same day the leave took effect, even before the OSAA submitted its official findings.
The incident that sparked the controversy traces back to a report submitted to the OSAA and later ordered for a full investigation by Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero.
The report detailed two separate instances of an "unusual scent" believed to be marijuana. One incident occurred in July, but the second, on August 12, was more specific.
According to the OSAA report, a staff member from a senator’s office identified Montenegro as the only person in the ladies' restroom at the time the odor was detected.
In response to the allegations, Montenegro has consistently denied smoking marijuana or any illicit substance.
According to the OSAA's report, while she denied the primary accusation, she did acknowledge having a vape in her possession, suggesting that it might have been the source of the unusual smell.
The gravity of the situation has prompted calls for more stringent measures. Following the incident, figures like former Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III have renewed their push for mandatory and random drug testing for all Senate employees, a policy he had implemented during his term.
The incident has highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity and reputation of the Senate as a key government institution.
As the twin investigations proceed, Montenegro has been ordered to submit a written explanation to Senator Padilla's office.
She was initially given until August 18 to respond to initial media reports and was later granted an additional day, until August 19, to formally address the OSAA's official incident report.
The outcome of this case will not only determine Montenegro's future with the senator's office but may also influence a more proactive and permanent drug policy within the upper chamber.
News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable stories that people could easily understand and relate in their lives.
In related news, Nadia has allegations that she smoked marijuana inside a Senate ladies’ comfort room. An incident report from the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms detailed two occasions when an unusual odor was detected near the Senators’ extension offices. Security personnel said a Senate employee claimed the scent resembled marijuana and alleged Montenegro was the only person in the area but she said it may have come from her vape. Senate President Chiz Escudero and Senator Robin Padilla’s office have ordered an investigation into the matter.
Last April, Nadia her respects to the late Pilita Corrales. She visited the wake of the Asia’s Queen of Songs, who passed away on Saturday, April 12. On Instagram Stories, Nadia shared photos giving glimpses of the wake. She also posed for photos with celebrities like Pilita’s son, Ramon Christopher.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
