Nadia Montenegro Denies ‘Maryjane’ Use in Senate
NADIA MONTENEGRO – The actress and Senate staff member has denied allegations that she used Maryjane or smoked inside the Senate premises. Montenegro, who works under Senator Robin Padilla, became the subject of an internal inquiry following reports of a suspicious odor believed to be Maryjane coming from the women’s restroom near the senators’ extension offices.
The matter arose from an internal incident report filed by a member of the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA). In July 2025, the OSAA personnel was informed by a male staff member about a strong, unusual smell in the area. When the officer checked, no one was found in the vicinity.
A similar incident allegedly occurred on August 12, 2025. According to the same OSAA officer, a male staff member from Senator Lacson’s office reported smelling what seemed like Maryjane inside the women’s restroom. At that time, the only person reportedly present was Montenegro.
The OSAA officer said that when he asked Montenegro about the matter, she denied smoking inside the restroom and denied using Maryjane. However, she admitted that she had a vape in her bag. Montenegro explained that the scent noticed by Senator Lacson’s staff might have come from the vape.
The incident report stated that Montenegro denied involvement with Maryjane but acknowledged possessing the vape, suggesting it could have been the source of the odor.
As of this writing, Montenegro has not issued an official public statement about the incident. The Senate has yet to confirm whether further investigation will take place or if disciplinary measures will be considered.
The matter has drawn attention due to the sensitivity of drug-related issues, especially within government offices. While vaping is legal in the Philippines under certain regulations, the use of Maryjane remains prohibited except for limited medical purposes. The case has sparked discussions on workplace conduct, the need for stricter enforcement of Senate rules, and the importance of transparency when allegations arise involving public officials and their staff.