Senate Secretary submits report to Robin Padilla on staffer's alleged marijuana use in the premises
The investigation into the alleged incident of a staffer smoking a joint on Senate grounds has concluded, and the findings have been forwarded to Senator Robin Padilla's office.
In a statement, Senate Secretary Atty. Renato Bantug, on Thursday, Aug. 14, said that the Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms submitted its report for the senator's "information and appropriate action."
On Aug. 13, reports emerged that a scent of marijuana was detected near Padilla's office by an OSAA member. One of his female staffers was found in the bathroom, but she claimed that the smell was just from an air freshener.
Following this, an investigation has been requested by Padilla regarding allegations. His chief of staff Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado said they asked a female staff member, whom he declined to name, to submit a written explanation within five days.
He stated that the clues from news reports were the only reason they asked that specific staff member for an explanation.
Per the incident report, it was actress Nadia Montenegro—Padilla's political affairs officer—who was allegedly suspected of smoking pot in the toilet. She denied the accusation though admitted to having vape in her bag.
Jurado clarified that it was not "accurate" to say the senator was summoned by the OSAA regarding the allegation. He stated that he went to the OSAA to gather information for their own internal investigation. Its staff members, however, could not recall such an incident.
Padilla's office staff also had no memory of the alleged incident.
The OSAA said it will submit its findings to Senate President Chiz Escudero for action.
It also announced on Wednesday that it would continue to conduct random drug testing on employees and staff of the Senate.
Meanwhile, it can be remembered that in 2022, Padilla sponsored the Senate Bill 2573, or the Cannabis Medicalization Act.
He said that "The State should, by way of exception, allow the use of cannabis for compassionate purposes to promote the health and well-being of citizens proven to be in dire need of such."
Under the bill, medical cannabis—which are capsule- and oil-based products and not the raw plant—may be used for “debilitating medical conditions” of “qualified patients.” (with reports from Marc Jayson Cayabyab)
