EDITORIAL- Rama should leave the police to decide

Taking illegal drugs is a serious offense. In a company, any worker who tested positive for drugs has high chances of outright dismissal. That is why surprise drug tests are normally conducted by the management to see to it that employees are aware of the grave consequences of drug abuse.

The same applies to civil service. The government has implemented measures to prevent its employees from succumbing to drug abuse, of which random drug tests have become the most important part.

And just like in private companies, many government workers have become victims of drugs. Undeniably, the drug menace has affected many government employees’ ability to render effective service to the public.

Just recently, at least eight policemen of the Cebu City Police Office were found positive for drugs during a surprise test. These policemen face the maximum penalty of dismissal from service if found positive in the confirmatory test.

CCPO director Melvin Ramon Buenafe said that they do not want to put the public’s security at risk in the hands of these policemen, who would be made to undergo a rehabilitation seminar.    

Mayor Michael Rama then stepped into the scene, appealing to the CCPO leadership to give the policemen a second chance. He wanted them to stay in the city police force.

Of course, as the father of the city, it’s normal for Rama to make such appeal. But he should go after the safety of the public, not after the welfare of those policemen. Being the mayor, putting premium priority to the security of the community should far exceed the urge to help those erring policemen earn forgiveness.

The eight policemen committed a grave infraction that could cost their employment. And Rama should leave the Philippine National Police to decide and respect whatever decision is handed down.

Police Regional Office-7 operations chief Louie Oppus was right in saying that there are rules that are being followed in dealing with those policemen. Rama should support whatever decision the police leadership will come up, even if it takes dismissal from service to improve the image of the city police force.