By Wilnard Bacelonia | Philippine News Agency
Senate President Francis Escudero directed a review of the Senate’s random drug testing policy on Monday to ensure stricter implementation, following reports of alleged marijuana use within the chamber’s premises.
In a letter to Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III dated Aug. 18, Escudero confirmed that the Senate conducted its most recent mandatory random drug test (MRDT) for officials and employees on March 20, and preparations are underway for another round.
“I fully join you in this important initiative and wish to inform you that the Senate proper and service bureaus conducted its MRDT on all Senate officials and employees last March 20, 2025,” Escudero said, assuring that forthcoming testing would be comprehensive and compliant with the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
He said updated guidelines are being crafted in consultation with the Department of Health and accredited laboratories to withstand legal scrutiny and ensure effective implementation.
Escudero cited Senate Policy Order No. 2018-002, issued during Sotto’s term as Senate President, which institutionalized random drug testing.
He said the policy was observed until 2020 and would now be revisited for stricter enforcement.
“At present, we are awaiting the complete roster of Senate employees whose names will be included in the next MRDT,” Escudero added.
Sotto earlier urged the immediate conduct of drug testing for senators and staff in light of reports on alleged drug use at the Senate’s fifth floor.
Montenegro resigns
In a statement, Padilla’s chief of staff, lawyer Rudolf Philip Jurado, said the office received Montenegro’s written explanation and resignation letter dated Aug. 15.
“Her resignation has been accepted,” Jurado said.
In her letter, Montenegro vehemently denied being the staff member referred to in the stories and described the allegations as “unfounded” and “maliciously shared to the media.”
She said the incident report that circulated on social media was misleading, stressing that no marijuana was found and that she was only in possession of a vape with a grape-flavored scent.
“I denied smoking or using marijuana inside the comfort room… If only this Honorable Office will secure the CCTV footages, it can be vividly established that I even showed him said vape,” Montenegro said.
Montenegro lamented that the controversy subjected her and her family to ridicule, with her children unfairly labeled as “children of a drug addict.”
She said the issue has caused “great pain and distress,” prompting her decision to resign “for the sake of my mental health and the welfare of my children.”
“Even with a heavy heart but for the sake of my mental health… I decided to tender my resignation from my position in Senator Padilla’s office effective immediately,” she said.
“My decision to resign should not be misconstrued as an admission of guilt—it is not. Rather, it is a demonstration of my deep respect for the Senate and Senator Padilla’s office,” she added.
Montenegro thanked Padilla for the trust and opportunity to serve, and expressed hope that the Senate would address how incident reports are being leaked to the media.
The official report said Victor Patelo, a Senate security personnel on the 5th floor, was approached by a staff member of Senator Panfilo Lacson on Aug. 12 regarding an “unusual odor coming from the ladies’ comfort room near the Senators’ extension offices.”
“He (Patelo) claimed the odor resembled that of ‘marijuana’ and stated that the only person in the area at the time was allegedly Ms. Nadia Montenegro,” read the report dated Aug. 13.
Mandatory drug test
Meanwhile, Padilla filed a bill on Monday requiring all elected and appointed officials to undergo yearly mandatory drug testing.
Senate Bill 1200, or the Drug-Free Government Act, mandates hair and urine tests for officials in all levels of government and government-owned and controlled corporations.
Those who test positive face penalties, including suspension or dismissal.
“Kung ang taumbayan ay inaasahang malinis sa bawal na gamot, dapat magsimula ito sa mga lingkod-bayan mismo,” he said.
