‘Surprise’ screening: New CH workers, Rama, Labella take drug test

CEBU, Philippines - Accepting the challenge, Cebu City Hall officials including Mayor Michael Rama and Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella yesterday submitted themselves to a drug test intended for newly-hired employees.

The drug test administered by the City Office of Substance Abuse Prevention was set for at least 38 employees who attended an orientation seminar at the City Hall yesterday.

COSAP head Dr. Alice Utlang said she dared the department heads as well as the assistant heads present in the seminar to undergo the test. Rama was also present.

“If you consider yourself a prominent personality, why not have yourself tested? They thought I was only joking and they didn’t know there was a drug testing actually going on,” said Utlang.

All the newly-hired employees present submitted to the test, which is one of their pre-employment requirements.

“The group agreed so right then and there, they submitted to the drug test. They went out of the office one by one,” said Utlang, who herself also took the test together with other department heads.

The result of the test will be released today.

Labella, who happened to be around to attend the next scheduled meeting, was also made to undergo the test.

 “This would only show that we are exempting no one. There is a fair treatment for all from all positions, either for those appointed or elected posts. If they are scheduled for drug test, then be it,” said Utlang.

The City Council recently passed amended City Ordinance 1829, which requires the city government workforce, including even the city mayor, vice mayor and city councilors to submit on the annual random drug test.

Councilor Nestor Archival Sr., who pushed for the amended measure, said that the local legislation will serve as a “deterrent from drug use or substance abuse for all the officials, employees to minimize, if not ensure, that all those who are in public service and are entrusted with trust are drug free.” — (FREEMAN)