The Senate has launched an investigation into allegations that a staff member from Senator Robin Padilla’s office used marijuana within the Senate premises.
Senate Secretary Atty. Renato Bantug Jr. said the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) conducted a probe upon orders from Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero. The OSAA has submitted its report, with a copy provided to Padilla’s office for appropriate action.
Padilla’s chief of staff, Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado, confirmed that their office is also conducting its own investigation and has required the employee in question to submit a written explanation within five days.
Jurado said Padilla was surprised by the allegation and ordered an internal inquiry to verify its accuracy. He clarified that he was not summoned by OSAA but went there voluntarily to ask about the matter.
Both the Senate leadership and Padilla’s office have yet to disclose further details pending the outcome of their respective investigations.