Nadia Montenegro placed on leave over alleged marijuana odor in Senate

Actress Nadia Montenegro, a member of Sen. Robin Padilla's staff, is named in an incident report by the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) regarding alleged marijuana use inside the chamber.

According to the report dated August 13, security personnel Victor Patelo noted two incidents involving unusual odors near the ladies' comfort room on the 7th floor of the Senate building in July and another on August 12.

Senator Lacson's staff identified Montenegro as being present during the latter incident. She denied smoking inside the ladies' room or using marijuana but admitted to having a vape that could have produced the odor.

Padilla's chief of staff, Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado, confirmed on August 13 that Montenegro is currently on leave from her post amid the controversy.

Senate President Francis Escudero and Padilla's office have ordered an investigation into the alleged use of marijuana by a staff member within Senate premises.

Montenegro was asked to submit a written explanation of the incident within five days following the receipt of the OSAA report on August 14.