By Jet D. Antolin
THE responsibility for addressing the alleged marijuana incident now rests with Senator Robin Padilla, as the Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms (OSAA) has officially delivered its findings to his office.
The investigation into the alleged smoking of marijuana by a staffer on Senate grounds has been completed, with the findings now in the hands of Senator Robin Padilla’s office.
Senate Secretary Atty. Renato Bantug announced on Thursday, August 14th, that the Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms (OSAA) has submitted its report to Senator Padilla for his “information and appropriate action.” The investigation was launched following reports on August 13th that an OSAA member detected the scent of marijuana near Senator Padilla’s office.
The incident involved a female staff member found in the bathroom, who claimed the smell originated from an air freshener.
Senator Padilla’s chief of staff, Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado, clarified that they initiated their own internal investigation based on news reports and requested a written explanation from the staff member in question.
Jurado also refuted claims that Senator Padilla was summoned by the OSAA, stating that he visited the OSAA to gather information for their internal inquiry.
He noted that neither OSAA staff nor members of Padilla’s office could recall the alleged incident.
The OSAA has indicated that it will also submit its findings to Senate President Chiz Escudero for further action. Additionally, the OSAA announced that it will continue to conduct random drug testing on Senate employees and staff.
The incident has drawn attention to Senator Padilla’s past advocacy for the legalization of medical marijuana, as he sponsored Senate Bill 2573, the Cannabis Medicalization Act, in 2022.
The bill seeks to allow the use of cannabis for compassionate purposes to promote the health and well-being of citizens in dire need, specifically in the form of capsule- and oil-based products for “debilitating medical conditions” of “qualified patients.”
