Actress Nadia Montenegro has spoken out following her resignation as political affairs officer under Senator Robin Padilla, stressing that her decision should not be taken as an admission of wrongdoing.
Montenegro confirmed in her explanation letter that she is stepping down “effective immediately” to protect her mental health and the welfare of her children. She underscored that leaving her post was an act of respect toward the Senate and Padilla’s office, not a concession to the allegations against her.
“My decision to resign should not be misconstrued as an admission of guilt—it is not. Rather, it is a demonstration of my deep respect for the Senate and Senator Padilla’s office, so that this issue does not cause further distraction or harm,” Montenegro wrote.
She firmly denied using marijuana inside the Senate premises, pointing out that she had used the PWD comfort room on the day in question and even showed a security officer her grape-flavored vape. “Thus, if said alleged unusual scent which resembled to marijuana, came from the ladies’ comfort room then it should not be attributed to me,” she explained.
Montenegro also said the matter “can easily be put at rest” through CCTV footage review, expressing deep anguish over the toll the accusations have taken on her personal life. “These claims have caused great pain and distress to me and my family. It is deeply hurtful to see my name and reputation tarnished and destroyed by a story that is simply not true. Me and my children do not deserve this! No one deserves this,” she stressed.
The controversy began after the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms submitted an incident report naming Montenegro. While she denied the accusations, she was asked to take a leave of absence before eventually resigning.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero had earlier ordered an investigation, while Padilla’s office conducted its own inquiry. According to Padilla’s chief of staff, Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado, Montenegro’s resignation has been formally accepted.
