• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The provincial government of Negros Occidental is validating reports on the use of illegal drugs, and even alleged drug peddling activities inside the Capitol establishments.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz yesterday confirmed receiving consistent reports of drug problems, not only using, but even the selling of illegal drugs at the Capitol.
The provincial government is set to conduct another bidding for the purchase drug testing kits to be used in the random drug testing of its employees, after the first bidding failed.
Diaz said they are hastening the bidding of drug test kits “to really identify who they are.” But he stressed that the rumors remain unsubstantiated, as of this time.
He also did not reveal how many provincial government employees are allegedly involved.
It’s not that alarming, Diaz said, adding that in a way, they initially imposed discipline by being transferred to other assignments, in order to limit movements.
But we cannot really conclusively say that he is a suspect, as there is no drug testing yet, he added.
Diaz said the Human Resource office has already been instructed to coordinate with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, to identify possible targets of drug testing.
“The governance of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is abiding with the law and responsible government, that involves being fit for work,” he stressed.
“Indulging in substance abuse, renders us not in a good condition, to render public service mentally, emotionally and physical,” Diaz said.
CAPITOL CLEANSING
Diaz said the recall of 39 Capitol hired watchmen from their respective assignments, and report to the Security Safety Division office, is part of the cleansing process, adding that there is a manifestation which indicate that some of them cannot be trusted.
The job contract of 39 watchmen ends December this year.
Diaz said they are now assigned to secure Capitol work places and its employees, while the “blue guards” were tasked to secure external perimeters of the provincial government facilities.
Prior to their recall, the Capitol watchmen, who are Contract of Service and Job Order employees, had been assigned in different hospitals, among other Capitol facilities in different towns and cities of Negros Occidental.
We will take all the time, to verify and validate their worthiness, in order to be trusted, and to become watchmen again, Diaz stressed.*
