EDITORIAL - No second chances

It is already alarming that in almost every barangay where so-called "surprise" drug tests have been conducted so far, there is always a certain number of barangay workers who get caught by testing positive for illegal drug use.

But it is even more so when you consider the fact that the element of surprise has long departed these so-called "surprise" tests. The only uncertainty in these tests is which barangay is next. As far as the tests themselves are concerned, everybody knows they are coming, thus the lack of surprise.

It is very alarming because, despite the common knowledge that the "surprise" tests can come anytime, many barangay workers still keep up with the habit, throwing caution to the wind. This total disregard for the possibility of exposure only underscores the gravity with which the culprits have been compromised.

In other words, these illegal drug users can no longer help it. They no longer care if they get caught or not. They do not care if the testers are already knocking on the door. At the very least, they have not only compromised themselves, they have compromised their responsibilities as government workers.

And yet, surprisingly, the Cebu City government appears to approach the problem in a political way. Instead of immediately firing the culprits, they are given a chance to keep their jobs if they undergo rehab. Rehab is a personal consideration. Keeping a government job involves public trust.

The Cebu City government is reluctant in firing the culprits because many, if not most, of these barangay workers are political appointees who can, and their families and friends with them, make life a little more difficult for city officials in the next election.

It is very doubtful if the personal wellbeing of the culprits is the main reason for the reluctance in firing them, considering the track record of the city in dealing with the wellbeing of other sectors within its jurisdiction.

Government workers who test positive for illegal drug use set a very bad example to society, and while they should be given a second shot at life by means of rehab, it would send the wrong signal to everybody else if they are allowed to keep their government jobs.

Allowing these people to keep their jobs cannot but send only one very clear message -- that it is perfectly all right to use illegal drugs while working for government because even if you get caught you can still keep your job. And if you can keep your job, why not also the plunderers, the cheats, and the bums.