MANILA — The Office of Senator Robin Padilla has announced the resignation of political affairs officer Nadia Montenegro, following allegations that she smoked marijuana inside the Senate building.

Padilla’s chief-of-staff, Rudolf Philip Jurado, confirmed the resignation in a statement on Monday.

“Today, we received the written explanation and letter of resignation of Ms. Nadia Montenegro. Her resignation has been accepted,” Jurado said.

Montenegro, who served as a Political Affairs Officer 6 in Padilla’s office, was implicated in an incident report by the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms last week. The report alleged that the smell of marijuana was detected in one of the building’s ladies’ restrooms, where Montenegro was said to have been present.

The actress has strongly denied the accusation.

Resignation “Not an Admission of Guilt”

Montenegro cited her wellbeing as the reason for stepping down.

“Thus, even with a heavy heart but for the sake of my mental health and the welfare of my children, I decided to tender my resignation from my position in Senator Padilla’s office effective immediately,” she said.

“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.”

She also thanked Senator Padilla for giving her the opportunity to serve.

Montenegro’s Explanation

Padilla’s office released Montenegro’s resignation letter to reporters, in which she refuted the allegation.

“I vehemently deny that I am the staff of the senator mentioned in those articles,” she wrote.

Montenegro clarified that she did not use the ladies’ restroom but instead the facility designated for persons with disabilities (PWD).

“Thus, if said alleged unusual scent which resembled to marijuana came from the ladies’ comfort room then it should not be attributed to me. It was likewise suspecting that the alleged ‘male’ staff of Senator Lacson would say that I was the only one in the ladies’ comfort room when he should have no personal knowledge of that unless he entered and used the ladies comfort room at that time,” she said.

She added that before leaving the Senate on August 12, she showed security personnel her vape, which she said was grape-flavored.

Montenegro also urged investigators to review CCTV footage from the day in question.

“I was unfairly subjected to publicity trial, misjudgments, bashings, and grave humiliation. My children were unjustly became the subject of ridicule, calling them the children of a ‘drug addict.’ One comment even said maybe my children are drug addicts as well,” Montenegro said.

“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.

Senate Probe

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero earlier ordered an investigation into the alleged marijuana use. Padilla’s office likewise conducted its own inquiry.

The Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms submitted its report last week, naming Montenegro. She denied smoking inside the ladies’ room and denied using marijuana.

Before her resignation, Montenegro had been asked by the office of the senator to take a leave of absence.

📷 Nadia Montenegro IG