The office of Senator Robin Padilla directed actress Nadia Montenegro, a member of its staff, to take a leave of absence following her alleged marijuana use inside the Senate premises.

Padilla’s chief of staff, Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado said that Montenegro’s leave of absence take effect August 13.

“On August 13, 2025, even before the investigation conducted by the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA), the Office commenced an initial internal investigation regarding reports linking Ms. Montenegro,” Jurado said in a statement.

“On the same day, she was directed to take a leave of absence, effective immediately,” he added.

“Nadia Montenegro did not resign from our office. She is only on leave,” Jurado added.

Montenegro was named in the incident report by the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA), following the order of Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to investigate the alleged marijuana use inside the Senate building in Pasay City.

Based on the incident report, Montenegro denied smoking inside the ladies’ room and using marijuana, but acknowledged possessing a vape in her bag, which she said could have produced the unusual scent.”

Upon receipt of the incident report on Thursday, August 14, Jurado said that the subject employee was ordered to submit a written explanation within five days.

“Also on August 13, Ms. Montenegro was given five (5) days, or until August 18, 2025, to submit her written explanation regarding two news articles… to provide her the opportunity to address and clarify the matters raised therein,” Jurado said.