DRUG TEST. Employees of the Negros Occidental provincial government queue up to undergo mandatory drug testing at the Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City on Tuesday (Dec. 12, 2023). Eight employees who tested positive for drug use and 20 others whose results were in the “gray” zone were subjected to confirmatory tests. (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental-PIO)
BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental provincial government subjected to confirmatory testing eight employees who tested positive for drug use and 20 others whose results were in the “gray” zone.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said on Wednesday that the mandatory random urine drug testing among 2,300 elected officials and employees based at the provincial capitol here were held on Monday and Tuesday.
Of the eight positive results, seven are for shabu while one is for marijuana.
The confirmatory test results will be released within the week.
“The sanctions are provided under the law. For job orders and contract of service workers, we will not anymore renew their contracts. For the regular employees, we will initiate administrative cases against them,” Diaz said.
Diaz said they will schedule separate dates for hospital-based workers after the purchase of additional drug testing kits.
“All will be subjected to drug testing. Nobody is exempted from it. The provincial government is doing its share to ensure a drug-free workplace,” he added.
The Civil Service Commission guidelines, under Resolution 1700653 dated March 15, 2017, ensure that government agencies remain drug-free for the effective and efficient delivery of public services.
It states that drug testing is required for initial entry to government service, and those found positive for drug use shall not be hired or appointed.
As a condition for retention in service, incumbent public officials and employees shall submit to mandatory random drug testing. (PNA)
