• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
To ensure a drug free working environment, a total of 1,800 employees of the Negros Occidental provincial government were subjected to drug testing on Wednesday, on orders of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz disclosed that the drug test is part of the provincial government commitment to ensure that the Capitol will have a drug-free working environment.
Diaz said the drug testing started December 17.
In previous drug testing, some Capitol employees reportedly tested positive for use of illegal drugs.
There are about 1,100 Capitol based employees, while 800 others are assigned at the provincial government managed hospitals.
Diaz said they have been assisting regular employees who were found positive for use of illegal drugs, for their rehabilitation.
If they are declared clean, he said they can return to work.
But casuals, job order and contract of service workers who tested positive for illegal drugs will no longer be accepted at the Capitol, he added.*
