The Senate has concluded its investigation into the alleged use of marijuana by a staff member within the chamber’s premises.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. said the probe was conducted by the Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms (OSAA) on Aug. 13, following media reports about the incident.
“Today, 14 August 2025, the OSAA has submitted its report on the incident. As instructed by Senate President (Francis) Escudero, we have provided a copy of this report to the Office of Senator Robinhood C. Padilla for their information and appropriate action,” Bantug said.
A formal transmittal letter was sent to Senator Robinhood Padilla, chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics.
The Senate has yet to announce whether any administrative or legal measures will follow based on the OSAA findings.
According to the report, the first incident took place in the second week of July 2025 when a male staffer reported a strong odor emitting from the senators’ extension offices.
Security personnel responded, but did not find anyone smoking in the area at the time.
The second incident occurred on Aug. 12 when another staff member claimed to smell an odor similar to marijuana in a nearby ladies’ restroom.
The staffer, who introduced himself as part of Senator Lacson’s office, said the only person inside the restroom was Senate staff member Nadia Montenegro.
Security approached Montenegro, who denied smoking or using marijuana, but admitted to carrying a vape, which she suggested might have caused the reported odor.
Following the incident, Senator Padilla’s office asked Montenegro to submit a written explanation within five days.
Padilla’s chief of staff, lawyer Rudolf Philip Jurado, clarified that no formal complaint has been filed against Montenegro.
The case remains under review while authorities work to determine whether any policy violations occurred.
