Actress Nadia Montenegro has taken legal action, filing libel and harassment complaints on October 1, 2025, against publications that reported her alleged involvement in marijuana use within the Senate premises. Montenegro has vociferously denied the accusations, labeling them as “fake news” that have severely damaged her reputation. This move marks a significant escalation in her effort to clear her name and seek justice for what she describes as malicious reporting.
Legal Action Amidst Allegations
Montenegro, through her legal counsel Atty. Maggie Abraham Garduque, lodged a libel case before the Caloocan Regional Trial Court against two specific publications. These outlets had reported that she was the Senate staff member allegedly caught using marijuana in a Senate comfort room. According to Garduque, these reports were “false and malicious.” He emphasized that the official incident report from the Senate’s Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) indicated that Montenegro was found in possession of only a grape-flavored vape, not marijuana. “It is actually false and very malicious to state that my client was caught using marijuana in the Senate comfort room,” Garduque stated, underscoring the discrepancy between the reports and the official findings.
Claims of Harassment and ‘Fake News’
Beyond the libel complaint, Montenegro also filed a separate complaint before the Pasay City Hall. This action targets a Senate staff member, accusing them of unjust vexation and violations of the Safe Spaces Act. Garduque detailed that the staff member allegedly grabbed Montenegro by the arm and dragged her to a wall inside the Senate Hall, actions that constitute harassment under the law. Montenegro recounted the incident, stating the staff member initially warned her about envy from others before raising suspicions about her smelling of marijuana. She asserts that she immediately clarified the situation by showing her vape and offering to have her bag searched. The actress reiterated her denial of the allegations, calling them “fake news” and “false news” that have caused significant damage to her standing. “I just want the public to know the truth. I went through a lot, but now I am stronger. I know I will have to face this and tell what really happened,” she declared.
Background and Impact
The controversy first surfaced in August 2025, linking Montenegro, then a staff member of Senator Robin Padilla, to an alleged marijuana incident in a Senate comfort room. The office of Senator Padilla had placed her on leave and later confirmed her resignation, citing the need to avoid further controversy. Senator Padilla himself is a known advocate for the medical use of cannabis, having refiled a bill for its medicalization. The incident also sparked renewed discussions and calls for random drug testing among Senate personnel, a move supported by several senators. Montenegro’s legal team stated that the filing of cases came nearly two months after the August incident, as initial efforts to obtain CCTV footage and engage in dialogue with the Senate OSAA proved unfruitful. The controversy has deeply affected Montenegro, leading her to experience anxiety and undergo a trauma retreat, as she felt attacked along with her children by the widespread and allegedly false news.
Looking Ahead
This legal battle underscores the highly sensitive nature of drug-related news and allegations, particularly within government institutions. As the cases proceed, Montenegro remains committed to exposing the truth and safeguarding her reputation. The ongoing legal news surrounding this event highlights the complexities of reputation management in the digital age, where unverified claims can quickly gain traction and cause substantial harm. The cannabis discourse in the Philippines continues to be a trending topic, with ongoing debates about legalization and medical use, adding another layer to the context of such allegations in the country’s lifestyle and news cycles.
