Two brgy employees admit using drugs, face dismissal

CEBU, Philippines - Two employees of Barangay T. Padilla yesterday admitted to be drug users just before they were about to be subjected to a drug screening.

The Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP) conducted a surprise drug test to 42 employees including T. Padilla Captain Michael Ralota. All of them tested negative except for the two who refused to submit themselves to the test.

The two employees, a barangay tanod and a bus driver, who admitted using shabu will be terminated, Ralota said.

“Kabalo naman sila sa atong policy (they know our policy). We cannot let them stay and work in the barangay if they are positive for drugs,” Ralota said.

Ralota said the bus driver admitted using shabu just last Sunday.

Last Monday, a male employee of the City Treasurer's Office also tested positive when COSAP conducted a surprised drug test among 88 employees of the CTO and the Mayor's Office.

His case has been referred to the City Legal Office for proper action. The CTO however wants the Mayor to decide on his fate.

Joey Herrera, executive director of COSAP, said that his office received reports that the offices where they conducted surprise drug test have at least one drug user.

COSAP is set to test 1,500 City Hall and barangay employees this year. COSAP has commissioned a private laboratory to conduct the drug test. Test results of those who turned positive in the drug screening will be sent to the Department of Health laboratory in Manila. – (FREEMAN)