Carcar City workers undergo surprise drug test

CEBU, Philippines - All Carcar City Hall employees yesterday underwent random drug testing in an effort to weed out illegal drug users and pushers in the city government.

Under the directive of Mayor Nicepuro Apura, 600 employees were locked in the gym under the guise that there to be met by mayor. Some 300 employees were then randomly chosen to undergo the drug test.

Apura said the random drug testing was in accordance with Section 36 of Article 3 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002 which provides that "officers and employees of public and private offices shall undergo a random drug test."

Aside from the employees, Apura and Vice Mayor Patrick Barcenas, as well as some city councilors and all department heads, also underwent drug test.

Apura stressed that that all results will be treated with confidentiality.

Apura said his administration is trying to weed out the undesirable employees and the random drug test will help catch the pushers or users.

The mayor said if the employees know beforehand their schedule for drug testing, they can use some drinks to flush out the substance from their body one week before the drug test. —  (FREEMAN)