Pot Smell Scandal Hits Philippine Senate — Former Actress Named in Incident

MANILA — A marijuana smell scare has erupted inside the Philippine Senate, and a former TV and movie actress turned political staffer is at the center of it.

Senate security identified Nadia Montenegro, now working for Senator Robin Padilla, as the staff member found inside a women’s restroom during an alleged marijuana incident earlier this month.

According to an official incident report, this was the second time in weeks that guards detected the scent of marijuana in the Senate building. The first was in July, but no one was caught.

The latest incident happened on August 12, when a staffer for Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson reported a strong marijuana-like odor coming from a restroom near lawmakers’ offices. When security entered, Montenegro was the only person inside.

She denied using marijuana, claiming the smell may have come from her vape device.

“He claimed the odor resembled that of marijuana and stated that the only person in the area at the time was allegedly Ms. Nadia Montenegro,” the report noted.

Senator Padilla’s office has given Montenegro five days to submit a written explanation, even though she is currently on leave.

Senate officials say random drug testing will continue for all employees. Under Philippine law, marijuana remains illegal, with tough penalties for possession or use.

As of press time, neither Montenegro nor Senator Padilla has released a public statement — leaving the political buzz in Manila swirling with speculation.