Senate Faces Drug Use Controversy
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian urged the Senate to take swift action and fire any employee proven to have used illegal drugs inside the Senate building. He emphasized that the Senate should uphold its integrity and set a positive example for the Filipino people.
“This is embarrassing for the Senate. We should be setting a good example for the people,” Gatchalian said in Filipino during a Viber message. He further stressed the need to conclude the investigation promptly to identify those responsible and remove them from the Senate.
Investigation Already Completed, Report Submitted
Officials from the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms, led by retired police Maj. Gen. Mao Aplasca, reported that the inquiry into the alleged marijuana use has already been completed. A formal report was submitted to the Office of the Senate President.
The incident report dated August 13 detailed two occurrences involving unusual odors, allegedly marijuana, detected near the ladies’ comfort room adjacent to senators’ extension offices.
Details of the Incident
Senate security personnel Victor Patelo noted that the first odor complaint was received last month, while the second was reported recently by a male employee who identified himself as a staff member of Sen. Panfilo Lacson.
According to Patelo, the male staff said the smell resembled marijuana and mentioned that the only person in the area at the time was Ms. Nadia Montenegro.
“The male staff member asked me to discreetly approach Ms. Montenegro, which I did when she walked past my post, as I was unable to leave my station being the only one on duty at the time,” Patelo added.
Ms. Montenegro denied smoking or using marijuana inside the ladies’ comfort room but admitted to carrying a vape in her bag, which she said might have caused the unusual scent reported earlier.
Separate Investigation and Calls for Random Drug Testing
The office of Sen. Robin Padilla also conducted its own inquiry since Ms. Montenegro serves as his chief of staff. Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado confirmed this investigation.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III called on the Senate leadership to reinstate random drug testing, a practice he implemented during his time as Senate President.
Both Sen. Gatchalian and Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva welcomed the suggestion. Villanueva expressed confidence that under Senate President Chiz Escudero’s leadership, the practice of random drug testing would continue to uphold the institution’s integrity.
“I have consistently supported calls for random drug testing among all officials and staff of the Senate, regardless of who is serving as Senate President. I believe this is an opportune time to reaffirm our commitment to it as a means of upholding the integrity of the institution,” Villanueva said in a message to community members.
He also emphasized his personal openness to undergo any type of drug test, underscoring the importance of leading by example for all civil servants.
For more news and updates on illegal drug use, visit Filipinokami.com.
