BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental governor Eugenio Jose Lacson backs holding unannounced drug tests for provincial government employees.
According to Lacson, government employees are expected not to get involved in illegal drug-related activities, adding that a local government unit can conduct “surprise” drug tests as part of efforts to cleanse the bureaucracy.
“If I have to do it, it’s gonna be a surprise,” Lacson responded when asked if he would also order drug testing among the more than 3,000 capitol employees.
The Victorias City government under Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez conducted an unannounced drug test to its over 1,000 city government employees last week. Ten tested positive for illegal drug use — nine for shabu and one for marijuana.
Benitez said the 10 individuals, whose contracts are ending this month, can no longer renew their employment, although they will be given the choice to undergo drug rehabilitation at the city government’s expense.
“We don’t tolerate the use of dangerous drugs in government offices,” the mayor said./PN
