Chance at rehab offered

FOR “DRUG USERS” IN MANDAUE CITY GOVT.

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City government employees in Mandaue City who tested positive for illegal drug use will be given the opportunity to undergo rehabilitation rather than face immediate dismissal, according to the head of the Substance Abuse Mental Health and Services Office (SAMHSO).

SAMHSO chief Ebenezer Daryl Manzano said the decision is in line with a Supreme Court ruling which states that government employees who test positive for drug use must first be allowed to undergo rehabilitation.

“According to the Supreme Court nga decision sa ilang gipagawas recently Carlito Solomon vs. the City Government of Muntinlupa niingon si Supreme Court nga ang mga government employees nga mo-test positive for illegal drugs must be given a chance for them to undergo rehabilitation,” Manzano told reporters in an interview.

Manzano said that dismissal may only be considered if the employee refuses intervention or fails to complete the program.

He said that this policy practiced in Mandaue City is not written under the RA 9165 known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, a pivotal Philippine law aimed at combating illegal drug activities.

“Kay mas punitive pa man to ato nga time,” said Manzano.