CH on lookout for city workers using drugs

The Cebu City Hall continues to record employees who test positive for drugs, Human Resources Development Office head Henry Tomalabcad said.

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He said this last Monday, June 23, after City Hall employees pledged to contribute to a Drug-Free Philippines in celebration of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT).

“Naa’y mga regular and casual employees nga ni-positive g’yud,” Tomalabcad said.

He added that they conduct surprise drug tests for all 8,000-plus employees in the City Hall almost weekly to continuously monitor drug use in the workplace.

Jonah John Rodriguez, head of Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP), recalled that they once recorded around 80 City Hall personnel who tested positive during the initial drug testing.

“Naa sa mga 80 personnel, pero kasagaran, confirmed nga negative, gamay ra ang positive,” Rodriguez said.

They clarified that the majority of these employees tested negative after confirmatory tests, reassuring that only a small number of employees are involved in illicit substance abuse.

Tomalabcad also said that casual and job-order employees who screened positive after confirmatory tests had their contracts terminated, according to their policy.