Capitol surprises workers with random drug testing

CEBU, Philippines — Regular and casual employees of the Cebu Provincial Government were subjected to a surprise drug test on Monday, March 16, 2026, as part of the implementation of Executive Order No. 2 issued by Governor Pamela Baricuatro mandating a drug-free workplace.

The unannounced screening marks the first batch of drug testing conducted by the Capitol for 2026.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said the activity was carried out in compliance with the governor’s directive to enforce a drug-free workplace policy across all Capitol offices.

Empaces said the testing is conducted on a random basis and will continue throughout the year.

“Random ni siya—whole year round. Karon regular ug casual employees sa,” Empaces said in an interview.

He added that job order personnel and employees from other offices, including those under the legislative branch and provincial hospitals, will also be subjected to random screening before the end of the year.

Among the offices covered in Monday’s testing were the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), Provincial General Services Office (PGSO), Provincial Budget Office (PBO), the Accounting Office, and the Office of the Provincial Administrator (PAD).

Empaces said the Capitol has organized a technical working group tasked with implementing the program, but declined to identify its members to preserve the element of surprise in future operations.

He added that the activity was scheduled alongside an assembly of the Provincial Employees Association of Cebu, allowing officials to conduct the drug testing back-to-back with the gathering.

According to Empaces, the initiative aims to set an example in promoting discipline and accountability among public servants.

He said the governor wants to demonstrate the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring that the workplace remains free from illegal drug use.

“So pahimangno nalang siguro na ni Gov nga gusto gyud ta as public servants, di gyud ta mo-engage ana nga mga vices kay what really Gov wants kay i-drop that (referring to drug users) workers in the Capitol,” he said.

The testing is being conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Empaces said the results of the screening will undergo proper verification procedures should any employee test positive. Individuals who initially test positive will first be subjected to confirmatory testing.

If confirmed, the employee will then be required to undergo a drug dependency examination to be conducted by physicians accredited by the Department of Health.

Further administrative actions will be determined by the Human Resource Management Office and other concerned offices in accordance with existing rules and procedures.

“Kani nga program, ang nag-handle sad ani atoang Peace and Order Council. So usa ni sa target program sa atong Peace and Order Council chaired by our governor Pam Baricuatro,” Empaces added.

He said disciplinary measures may include suspension depending on the gravity of the case and the outcome of the evaluation.

A Drug-Free Workplace Committee created under the Office of the Governor will oversee the implementation of the program. (CEBU NEWS)