The office of Senator Robin Padilla has placed actress-turned-staffer Nadia Montenegro on leave of absence following allegations of marijuana use inside the Senate premises.
Padilla’s chief of staff, Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado, confirmed that Montenegro’s leave was effective August 13, a day before the Senate received the official incident report.
“On August 13, 2025, even before the investigation conducted by the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA), the Office commenced an initial internal investigation regarding media reports allegedly linking Ms. Nadia Montenegro,” Jurado said.
“On the same day, she was directed to take a leave of absence, effective immediately,” he added.
Jurado clarified that Montenegro has not quit her post.
“Nadia Montenegro did not resign from our office. She is only on leave,” he stressed.
The controversy stemmed from an incident report by the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA), which investigated alleged marijuana use within the Senate building in Pasay City, following the directive of Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
According to the report, Montenegro denied smoking inside the ladies’ room and denied marijuana use, though she admitted carrying a vape in her bag, which she said could have produced the unusual scent.
Padilla’s office has also launched its own probe. Jurado said Montenegro was ordered to submit her written explanation within five days, or until August 18.
“Also on August 13, Ms. Montenegro was given five (5) days, or until August 18, 2025, to submit her written explanation regarding two news articles… to provide her the opportunity to address and clarify the matters raised therein,” Jurado added.