9 Capitol workers test positive for drug use

CEBU, Philippines -  At least nine Capitol employees were found positive for drug use  in a surprise random test conducted on Monday.

However, the results of their urine samples during the screening are still subject to a confirmatory test.

Executive Director Joey Herrera of the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Commission said that most of the employees who were found positive are those outsourced.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency administered the drug test for the 169 Capitol employees picked through computer-generated random selection process.

“PDEA reported nga naay nine nga nag-positive. There are six offices involved. Most (found positive) are outsourced. Naay permanent, naay casual,” Herrera said.

Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 provides for a random drug testing among the public officers and employees.

Under the law, any officer or employee found positive of dangerous drugs use shall be dealt with administratively, the offense being a ground for suspension or termination, subject to the provisions of the Labor Code and the Civil Service Law.

At least 200 Capitol officials and employees were supposed to undergo the screening but Herrera said only 169 attended.

“Pag-Monday after the flag raising, mao pa pagpatawag nila through a memorandum… Ang uban siguro absent or naka-schedule na for leave anang adlawa,” Herrera explained.

He said another rounds of random drug test for all the 2,012 officials and employees of the provincial government would be conducted.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III, CPADAC chairman, earlier stressed the province’s thrust to intensify the anti-drug abuse council of local governments units.

“We don’t want drug users here in the provincial government,” he said.

The result of the confirmatory test would be out on Friday.  (FREEMAN)