Actress Nadia Montenegro has been cleared of allegations that she used marijuana inside the Senate building in 2025, after prosecutors approved the filing of charges against the individual who accused her of the act.
The development was confirmed by her lawyer, Maggie Abraham-Garduque, in a Facebook post. She described the resolution from the Department of Justice (Philippines) through the Pasay City Office of the City Prosecutor as an early birthday and International Women’s Day gift for the actress.
According to the prosecution’s resolution dated March 2, 2026, prosecutors approved the filing of information in court for: Unjust vexation and Violation of Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313), particularly Section 16(c).
The case stems from an incident on August 12, 2025, inside the Senate building in Pasay City.
A respondent reportedly accused Montenegro of using marijuana inside a PWD comfort room after allegedly noticing an “unusual odor” following the actress’ use of the facility.
At the time of the incident, Montenegro was serving as Political Affairs Officer for Robin Padilla.
Security personnel asked her to show the contents of her bag and pockets during the inspection. According to reports, the only item found was a vape device.
Montenegro was initially advised to take a leave of absence, but she later chose to resign from her position.
The actress previously explained that her decision to step down from her post was meant to protect the Senate office and avoid further controversy.
“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, so that this issue does not cause further distraction or harm.”
She also said the move was meant to safeguard her mental health and protect her children from the impact of the controversy.
According to her lawyer, the prosecution’s resolution noted that the respondent allegedly knew that Montenegro was not using marijuana but still filed an incident report.
That report later became the basis for the spread of misinformation about the actress in 2025, which her camp said caused serious damage to her reputation and family.
In her message to Montenegro, Abraham-Garduque described the outcome as vindication.
“This is a testament that albeit you are a woman, you can fight so that YOUR TRUTH can be heard.”
The case will now move to the courts for the next stage of legal proceedings.
