Robin Padilla's office tells Nadia Montenegro to take leave of absence

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

This was confirmed by Padilla’s chief of staff, Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado, who said that Montenegro’s leave of absence was effective 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 media reports allegedly linking Ms. Nadia Montenegro," Jurado said in a statement.

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

He refuted claims that the former actress Montenegro resigned from her post. 

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

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.” 

Padilla’s office has also launched its probe into the matter. 

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. –NB, GMA Integrated News