• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
A total of 109 employees at the San Carlos City Government yielded negative results following the random drug testing conducted on January 6 and January 14, according to City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Chief Jose Alingasa.
Alingasa stated that on January 6, approximately 87 employees, comprising both job order and regular personnel from the City Planning and Development Coordinator’s Office, San Carlos City Integrated Housing Authority, People’s Park Management, and the San Carlos City Heritage, Culture, and Arts Council, underwent drug testing. The results revealed that all tested negative.
On January 14, an additional 22 employees from the City Council and City Health Office also tested negative for drug use.
“The Mayor has directed us to be consistent with drug testing. Our government employees must have zero tolerance for drugs,” Alingasa said. He also mentioned that in the coming weeks, another batch of employees will undergo drug testing.
DUMAGUETE
Meanwhile, in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, two employees tested positive for illegal drug use following a surprise drug test conducted by the city government.
Mayor Manuel ‘Chiquiting’ Sagarbarria confirmed during a press conference on Tuesday that the employees who tested positive include one job order employee and one casual plantilla worker stationed at City Hall.
Sagarbarria emphasized that regular screenings are part of the city’s intensified campaign to ensure that all government offices remain drug-free, upholding integrity and safety for the benefit of the public.
Section 36 of RA9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, mandates authorized drug testing for various sectors to promote a drug-free workplace and school environment.*
