Nadia Montenegro, Staff Member of Office of Sen. Robin Padilla, Resigns amid Senate Issues
ROBIN PADILLA – The Senator filed a bill seeking for mandatory drug testing among all government officials including the president.
Recently, the Senate was surrounded by issues and criticisms following a report of an alleged ‘Maryjane’ use inside the vicinity of the upper chamber. The issue stemmed from an Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) staff member smelling a controversial foul odor from the Senate restroom in the 5th floor.
Reportedly, it was the second time around that the said foul odor was noticed inside the Senate vicinity. On the first time in July, no one was found in the area. However, during the recent incident, actress Nadia Montenegro was in the vicinity.
Nadia Montenegro, a staff member of the office of Sen. Robin Padilla, was surrounded by allegations of joint use inside the Senate premises. The actress denied the accusation.
According to Nadia, it could be the vape that she’s using that caused the odor noticed by the OSAA staff member. The actress was immediately told to take a leave of absence amid the issue.
To uphold the moral of the Senate and to ensure a drug-free workplace, Senate Minority Leader Tito Sotto immediately called for a mandatory drug test for all Senate officials and employees. The seasoned Senator penned a letter to Senate President Chiz Escudero over his call.
Sotto also called that the Senate did a random drug testing in 2018. According to him, it was in line with the Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 1700653 mandating random drug tests for public officials and employees, and Senate Policy Order 2018-002.
Recently, it was confirmed that Sen. Robin Padilla has filed a bill seeking for a mandatory drug testing not only among the Senate officials and employees but all the officials of the government including the president. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, actor-turned-lawmaker filed the Senate Bill 1200.
The proposed measure of Sen. Robin Padilla will be known as the “Drug Free Government Act”. Based on the report, it seeks to amend Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 to mandate hair follicle testing for screening and urine drug test for confirming a positive hair follicle drug test.
Once passed into law, the annual mandatory drug testing will cover the government’s all elected and appointed officials, instrumentalities, or government-owned and controlled corporations. Based on the report, the mandate includes Philippine officials not only in the country but as well as abroad.
Once a government official is found positive for drug use, it can be a ground for suspension or termination from office. Amid the issue, staff member of the office of Sen. Robin Padilla, Nadia Montenegro. resigned.