5 town employees admit to drug use

CEBU, Philippines - Three employees of the municipality of San Francisco and two others in Poro, Camotes Island admitted during a random drug screening yesterday that they have been using illegal drugs.

The surprise drug test was conducted by the local government units of the two towns, in coordination with the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Commission (CPADAC).

Joey Herrera, CPADAC executive director, said that the five male government workers admitted that they are drug users even before the urine samples could be sent to the laboratory for examination.

“Wala pa gyud na-test kay naapikihan na man mi sa oras,” he said in a phone interview, adding that he has yet to check the employment status of the five workers.

In San Francisco, a total of 60 employees underwent the drug test while 43 in Poro.

Herrera said CPADAC would recommend to the local chief executives for the termination of those who would test positive of drug use.

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 offi-cer or employee found positive of the use of dangerous drugs 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.

CPADAC conducted the drug test as requested by the municipal mayors and as part of the province’s thrust to weed out drug users in the local government units, Herrera said.

Along with CPADAC, the Crime Laboratory of the Philippine National Police also administered the drug screening yesterday to the police personnel of Poro and San Francsisco. CPADAC reported that none tested positive.

CPADAC has been conducting a series of drug screenings in the provincial government down to the municipalities and cities.

The latest screenings were conducted in October where a total of 19 municipal employees in Balamban and two in Asturias tested positive of illegal drug use.  (FREEMAN)