19 QC workers fail drug tests

MANILA, Philippines - Nineteen employees from nine barangays in Quezon City failed mandatory drug tests conducted by the city government, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte said Friday.

The tests were conducted in Barangays Damayan, Sto. Cristo, St. Peter, Amihan, Bagumbayan, Valencia, Paang Bundok, Kaligayahan and Gulod.

Belmonte, who heads the city’s anti-drug abuse advisory council, said employees in other barangays will also be subjected to similar tests. She added that some offices in the city have also followed suit on the program.

The employees who tested positive for use of illegal drugs – whose identities were not released – will undergo drug rehabilitation. Belmonte said the filing of charges is not one of the functions of the council.