22 CH employees told: Explain drug test results

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Legal Office has sent show-cause notices to 22 City Hall workers who tested positive for illegal drug use during surprise drug tests conducted recently by City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP).

The workers are directed to show cause in writing, preferably with the assistance of a counsel of their own choice, within 24 hours from receipt of the notice on why no appropriate disciplinary action should be taken against them for having been found to have used illegal drugs.

The 22 workers include five from the Market Operations Division; 10 from the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, and Enforcement team; two from the Department of General Services; two from the Parks and Playground Committee; and one each from the City Registrar’s Office and the Operation Second Chance.

Twenty-one tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu while one tested positive for marijuana.

City Legal Officer Rey Gealon said his office is earnestly and relentlessly pursuing investigation on the matter upon the directive of Mayor Edgardo Labella.

"The mayor cannot tolerate any drug addict under the employ of the city government in his administration," said Gealon.

To recall, Labella directed the CLO to investigate the city workers who tested positive for using illegal drugs during the series of drug tests conducted by COSAP earlier this month.

City Ordinance No. 1829 requires all employees of the city government of Cebu to undergo compulsory drug testing, as a pre-employment requirement, and annual random drug checkups.

Labella assured earlier that those who will be found using drugs will undergo due process.

The mayor warned, though, that they will be suspended or dismissed from service if initial tests are confirmed.

COSAP will carry on with the surprise drug tests among City Hall employees to make sure that the city government is drug-free, and to support the anti-drug campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte. (FREEMAN)