Actress Nadia Montenegro has stepped down from her post as political affairs officer of Senator Robin Padilla following allegations of marijuana use within the Senate compound.
Padilla’s chief of staff, Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado, confirmed on Monday that Montenegro’s resignation had been accepted. “Today, we received the written explanation and letter of resignation of Ms. Nadia Montenegro. Her resignation has been accepted,” Jurado said in a statement.
The controversy began after Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero ordered a probe into reports that a member of Padilla’s staff was involved in marijuana use inside Senate premises. The Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) conducted an investigation and submitted a report last week, which was turned over to Padilla’s office on August 14.
Montenegro was specifically named in the OSAA report, though she reportedly denied smoking inside the women’s restroom or using marijuana. Prior to her resignation, she had been asked to go on leave and was directed to submit a written explanation within five days.
Padilla’s office has also launched its own internal inquiry into the matter, even as Montenegro’s exit formally closes her short stint in the Senate.
