9 CH workers admit using drugs

CEBU, Philippines - Nine personnel of the Parks and Playground Commission are awaiting the verdict of their superiors after admitting they have been using illegal drugs.

Jun Reyes of the Cebu City Office on Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP) said that these nine employees admitted using drugs before COSAP were able to subject them to a random drug screening yesterday.

The rest of the 36 employees of the parks and playground commission randomly selected for yesterday tested negative of drug use. The commission has a total of 70 employees but only 36 were selected to undergo the test.

Of the nine who admitted, five are casuals while four are job order employees.

Reyes said those who admitted to have used prohibited drugs might be terminated like what had happened to others who were tested positive.

Reyes said their case has been forwarded to the City Legal Office and the Office of the Mayor. They may opt to report to duty until their superiors have decided what to do with them.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama earlier fired two employees of the Department of Engineering and Public Works who tested positive during the test and 11 others who admitted they are using illegal drugs or shabu.

Rama said he cannot risk having drug users working in city hall.

COSAP conducted a surprise drug test among employees of DEPW last week.

Yesterday was the 11thdrug test conducted by COSAP.

Reyes said there will be more to follow. COSAP bought 1,500 testing kits for this year. Each kit costs P100.  (FREEMAN)