BACOLOD City – A total of 3,000 officials and employees of the Negros Occidental provincial government are undergoing mandatory drug testing.
The two-day tests started yesterday as part of efforts to ensure that the provincial capitol remains a drug-free workplace.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said another drug testing will be conducted on Friday, Dec. 15, for employees of provincial government-run hospitals.
No one is exempted with Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson himself, as well as Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer and all members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan undergoing drug testing.
“Indi pwede ka indi kay mandatory [ini], ara sa memo ni governor,” Diaz said.
Yesterday’s drug testing went smoothly and nobody refused, although it was noted that a few individuals allegedly left when the testing began.
“If they don’t do it now, they will still do it [today],” Diaz said.
He added that sanctions await capitol employees who refuse to undergo drug testing.
When asked if the drug testing was in response to information received by the provincial government that some of its employees are using illegal drugs, the provincial administrator explained that so far they have not received any report of drug use among employees. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
