The City Hall of Zamboanga. (PNA file photo)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Surprise random drug testing in all offices under the city government will continue, an official said Monday.
Lawyer Maggie Tamin, the secretary to the mayor and designated spokesperson, said unannounced drug testing is pursuant to the order of Mayor John Dalipe to ensure all employees are physically and mentally fit.
The conduct of drug tests is also in line with a Civil Service Commission memorandum circular in 2019 that directs the mandatory random drug testing for public officials and employees.
Last week, five of the 57 traffic aides subjected to a surprise random mandatory drug test turned positive for illegal drug use.
Tamin made it clear that random drug testing was not meant to single out the members of the Traffic Enforcement Unit.
“It was ordered by the mayor because of complaints he received on alleged irregularities committed by some traffic enforcers,” Tamin said.
She said they are still waiting for the result of the confirmatory test on the five found positive for illegal drug use.
The city government has more than 3,000 permanent and casual employees. (PNA)
