BACOLOD City – The city government here is urging all job order (JO) applicants to voluntarily undergo drug testing as part of its campaign to ensure a drug-free and efficient workplace.
City Administrator Atty. Mark Mayo said the initiative is aligned with the city’s broader anti-illegal drug efforts and aims to promote integrity and productivity among JO workers.
He added that top city officials, including Mayor Greg Gasataya himself, and City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu, voluntarily took drug tests before officially assuming office on June 30. Their results came out negative for methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound found in marijuana.
Meanwhile, a 34-year-old woman — an alleged former JO employee assigned as administrative staff at a local public school — was arrested on July 23 in Barangay Punta Taytay for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The suspect was apprehended by the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) during a buy-bust operation. Authorities recovered approximately 50 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P340,000.
Mayo clarified that the suspect was not an active JO appointee under the current administration.
“Upon verification, she served only from March to June 2025 and had no official appointment at the time of her arrest,” he said.
“It is protocol for JO workers recommended for retention to be evaluated, but they are not considered part of the city government unless formally appointed,” Mayo added.
Mayor Gasataya, through Mayo, strongly encourages aspiring JO workers to undergo drug testing and background checks as a show of their commitment to public service and their willingness to remain free from illegal activities.
“This is part of building a trustworthy and drug-free workforce that will truly serve the people of Bacolod,” Mayo emphasized./PN
