ILOILO City – Job hires or contract of service (CoS) employees who were terminated after testing positive for illegal drug use may be rehired by the city government.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said as long as the said terminated employees underwent rehabilitation and turned negative for drug use upon retesting, they can reapply at the city hall.
Earlier this month, seven job hires flunked the random drug testing conducted by the city government.
Just recently, Treñas said more of them tested positive for illegal drugs.
“So what we do kon mag-positive ka, i-terminate ang imo services. Ginpabalo naton ang PNP and barangay officials because it is incumbent nga ma-undergo sila rehabilitation,” said Treñas.
One of the job hires who tested positive for illegal drugs was a driver of the city’s beautification team.
“Nasuboan to si (beautification head) Ninda (Atinado) kay driver ‘ya kag nasaligan ‘ya. Pero wala ‘ta mahimo. Kon mahatag kita exception sa iban, we have no reason nga indi ta pag ihatag sa iban,” he added.
Meanwhile, Treñas said the random drug testing can also be voluntary for regular employees of the city government.
“Ang regular employee lain nga istorya. We have to go through a certain process nga kinanglan ga-agree siya nga mapa-drug test. Unlike sa job hires it is a requirements for employment. Kon mag-voluntary lang sila ‘ya nga magpa-test, we will be happy to accommodate them,” said Treñas.
Through Executive Order (EO) No. 05-2023 issued early this month, Treñas ordered random drug testing among job hires and CoS workers.
He directed the Uswag Molecular Laboratory to undertake the testing.
The city mayor wanted to keep the city government drug-free, citing Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 2-2004, and the Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 13-2010.
“Iloilo City has various programs and activities designed to eliminate the illegal drug problem… not only within the city hall premises but including its field departments and offices and its 180 barangays,” read part of the EO.
It was also emphasized that results of the drug tests shall remain strictly confidential and shall abide with the Data Privacy Act of 201.
Job hires and contractual employees positive for dangerous drugs shall be subjected to disciplinary/administrative proceedings, including but not limited to termination of contract and those provided for by law.
Those who will not submit themselves to drug testing may be dealt with administratively; the refusal may also be deemed as a workplace misconduct, or a violation of the terms and conditions for the continuity or service, whichever is applicable.
Likewise, failure to do so shall be a ground for termination or administrative sanctions./PN
