Mayor: Workers will face sanctions

CEBU, Philippines - The 19 male employees who tested positive in the drug screening in the municipality of Balamban on Monday may face termination or suspension, Balamban Mayor Ace Binghay said.

Binghay, however, said sanctions could not be imposed yet pending the result of the confirmatory test.

“Well, if confirmed, we will act according sa civil service law. Possible matangtang or suspension,” he said over the phone, adding that the 19 who tested positive were job order and regular employees.

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 tested positive of dangerous drugs shall be dealt with administratively as the offense is a ground for suspension or termination subject to the provisions of the Labor Code and the Civil Service Law.

Binghay said there were more than 200 employees, including elected officials and department heads, who underwent the first random drug test conducted by the municipal government.

Police personnel in Balamban were also detailed in the area where the drug test was conducted to ensure that no one could escape, he said.

The drug test was part of the program under the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council of Balamban.

Binghay said the number of the employees tested positive in the screening was “alarming.” He assured that the town will continue to clean the municipal government of drug users.

Just last week, a 42-year-old man was arrested after he yielded six sachets of crystalline substance believed to be shabu and drug paraphernalia during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Cambuhawe, Balamban.

The operation was conducted by Balamban Police Station personnel in coordination with elements from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7. — Michael Vencynth H. Braga/ATO (FREEMAN)