NEGROS Occidental — A total of 24 casual and contractual employees from various departments of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Binalbagan have lost their jobs after testing positive in a recently conducted mass drug test.
Emmanuel Aranda confirmed in a media interview that he has received the results of the drug test, which covered around 400 employees and was conducted on February 11.
Following the release of the results, the contracts of the employees who tested positive were immediately terminated to prevent them from continuing their employment with the LGU.
According to Aranda, the move demonstrates the local government’s firm commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy, and drug-free workplace in the municipality.
The mayor clarified that the 24 individuals came from different departments and were all either casual or contractual workers.
He said the drug testing initiative aims to determine whether employees are involved in illegal drug use, especially since some are entrusted with critical responsibilities in the local government.
“We conducted the drug tests to ensure that our employees are not involved in illegal drugs. If they are found positive, they will be removed and replaced. Even if they are our own people, the policy applies to everyone,” Aranda said.
He also warned that drug testing will be carried out gradually and continuously, including among regular employees, to ensure accountability and integrity within the workforce.
“Our purpose is to serve the people and to show that everything we do is legal. We want to uphold the good name of our town,” he added.
Aranda emphasized that illegal drug use will not be tolerated, particularly among government workers who are expected to serve as role models in the community.
“They work for the municipality and must help protect its reputation. They are expected to set a good example,” he said./PN
