Robin Padilla Staff Nadia Montenegro Resigns After Maryjane Allegations
NADIA MONTENEGRO – The actress-turned-political affairs officer has officially resigned from her post under the office of Senator Robin Padilla. The announcement was made Monday by Padilla’s chief of staff, Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado, who confirmed that they had received Montenegro’s written explanation and resignation letter, both of which were accepted.
Montenegro had been on leave since August 13, the same day her name surfaced in an incident report filed by a Senate security officer. The report cited two separate occasions when an unusual odor was detected within the Senate building, specifically near the ladies’ restroom close to the senators’ extension offices. The scent was suspected to be maryjane.
The first incident reportedly took place in late July, when a male staff member noticed a strong odor but found no one smoking. The second occurred on August 12, when a staff member from another senator’s office reported a similar smell. According to the security officer’s account, Nadia Montenegro was the only person seen in the vicinity during the second incident.
Montenegro, however, denied smoking or using maryjane inside the premises. She admitted to carrying a vape in her bag, which she suggested could have been the source of the odor. Despite her denial, her name’s inclusion in the official report prompted Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to order a formal investigation. The Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) also conducted its own probe and submitted a report to Padilla’s office.
Following this, Padilla’s office required Montenegro to submit a written explanation within five days and placed her on leave while inquiries were ongoing. On August 18, she ultimately decided to step down from her role, ending her brief tenure in the senator’s office. Padilla’s team emphasized that the resignation was accepted without prejudice and that their internal review would continue.
Related Post: Nadia Montenegro Denies Smoking ‘Maryjane’ in Senate Restroom