Internal investigation into senate staffer's drug use completed; turned over to ethics chair
• The Philippine Senate concluded its internal investigation into the alleged pot use of a staff member on its premises
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• The Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms submitted its report, which has been turned over to Senator Robinhood Padilla for "appropriate action"
• Senator Padilla's office is conducting its own internal investigation and has requested a written explanation from the employee in question
• The Senate's swift response and the implementation of random drug testing for employees highlight its commitment to a drug-free workplace
The Philippine Senate has officially concluded its internal investigation into the alleged use of pot by a staff member on the institution's premises, with the findings now turned over to the office of Senator Robinhood Padilla for further review and action.
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This development follows a swift and decisive response from Senate leadership to initial media reports that surfaced on August 13, 2025.
Senate Secretary Renato N. Bantug Jr., acting on the direct instructions of Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, ordered the Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms (OSAA) to launch an immediate probe into the matter.
The investigation, which was completed within a day, highlights the Senate's commitment to maintaining a strict standard of conduct and a drug-free environment within its hallowed halls.
In an official statement released on August 14, Bantug confirmed that the OSAA had submitted its comprehensive report.
"As instructed by Senate President Escudero, we have provided a copy of this report to the Office of Senator Robinhood C. Padilla for their information and appropriate action," the Senate Secretary stated.
The transmittal of the report to Padilla is particularly significant, as he is the reported chair of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, the body responsible for matters related to the conduct and integrity of the institution and its members.
The incident gained public attention after media outlets began reporting on the alleged drug use, which was initially framed as a blind item.
Subsequent reports from news organizations like Rappler and News5 further specified that the staff member was an aide of Senator Padilla and that the incident reportedly occurred in a comfort room within the senator's office.
For his part, Senator Padilla's office, through his chief of staff Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado, also took proactive steps.
Jurado confirmed that he personally sought information and a copy of the incident report from the OSAA to conduct their own internal investigation.
Jurado clarified that he was not summoned but voluntarily went to the OSAA to confirm if their office was the subject of the news reports and to obtain the necessary information.
The office has since required the employee in question to submit a written explanation, emphasizing the need to hear all sides of the story before making any final determinations.
Jurado noted that the OSAA report presented a different narrative from the initial news reports.
While the contents of the OSAA report have not been publicly disclosed, the Senate's rapid response and the coordinated actions of both the Senate leadership and Senator Padilla's office underscore the seriousness with which the institution is addressing the allegations.
This incident has also brought into focus the Senate's ongoing efforts to ensure a drug-free workplace, with reports indicating that random drug testing for employees and staff has commenced.
The incident is a reminder of the vigilance required to uphold the integrity and reputation of the country's legislative body. It is now up to Senator Padilla's office to take the appropriate measures, guided by the OSAA's findings, to resolve the matter decisively.
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 other news, a 60-year-old Okayama teacher was fired for working part-time at a convenience store, violating Japan’s strict ban on secondary jobs for public school teachers, Bombo Radyo reported. The school principal confirmed the violation after personally visiting the store on the teacher’s rest day. The teacher admitted taking the job in November 2023 to supplement her reduced salary after being rehired post-retirement. The case sparked online debate over Japan’s prohibition on side jobs, with critics questioning its fairness for honorable, off-duty work.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
