Manila: Senator Robinhood Padilla's office confirmed it has accepted the resignation of Political Affairs Officer Nadine Montenegro, also known as actress Nadia Montenegro, following reports linking her to alleged marijuana use inside the Senate premises.
According to Philippines News Agency, Padilla's chief of staff, lawyer Rudolf Philip Jurado, stated that the office received Montenegro's written explanation and resignation letter dated August 15. Jurado confirmed, "Her resignation has been accepted."
In her resignation letter, Montenegro strongly denied being the staff member involved in the allegations, describing them as "unfounded" and "maliciously shared to the media." She clarified that the incident report circulating on social media was misleading, emphasizing that no marijuana was found and that she only possessed a vape with a grape-flavored scent. Montenegro stated, "I denied smoking or using marijuana inside the comfort room. If only this Honorable Office will secure the CCTV footages, it can be vividly established that I even showed him said vape."
Montenegro expressed her distress over the controversy, noting that it subjected her and her family to ridicule, with her children being unfairly labeled as "children of a drug addict." She stated that the issue caused her "great pain and distress," leading to her decision to resign for the sake of her mental health and her children's welfare. Despite her resignation, Montenegro emphasized that it should not be seen as an admission of guilt but rather a demonstration of respect for the Senate and Senator Padilla's office.
Montenegro thanked Padilla for the opportunity to serve and expressed hope that the Senate would address the issue of incident reports being leaked to the media. The official report mentioned that Victor Patelo, a Senate security personnel, was informed on August 12 by a staff member of Senator Panfilo Lacson about an "unusual odor coming from the ladies' comfort room near the Senators' extension offices." The report, dated August 13, stated that Patelo claimed the odor resembled that of "marijuana" and alleged that Montenegro was the only person in the area at the time.
In response to the incident, Padilla filed a bill on Monday requiring all elected and appointed officials to undergo yearly mandatory drug testing. Senate Bill 1200, known as the Drug-Free Government Act, mandates hair and urine tests for officials across all levels of government and government-owned and controlled corporations. Those who test positive may face penalties, including suspension or dismissal. Padilla emphasized, "Kung ang taumbayan ay inaasahang malinis sa bawal na gamot, dapat magsimula ito sa mga lingkod-bayan mismo (If the public is expected to be free from illegal drugs, it must begin with public servants themselves)."
