8 gov’t men, cop sanctioned for drugs

MANILA, Philippines—Eight employees of the Mandaluyong City government and a policeman have been sanctioned after they tested positive for illegal drugs during a mandatory drug test conducted last year, Mayor Benhur Abalos said Wednesday.

According to Abalos, three of those who tested positive for drug use were contractual employees who were immediately let go after their job contracts with the city government expired.

Five more, he added, are facing termination.

“Once I got hold of the names, I notified our personnel department and our lawyer to institute the proper proceedings for their dismissal from service,” Abalos said.

At the same time, the mayor ordered Senior Superintendent Armando Bolalin, Mandaluyong police chief, to file an administrative complaint against the policeman who was found positive for drugs.

Abalos, however, refused to identify the eight government employees and policeman, saying the city government must first comply with certain procedures before it could do so.

In November, 3,862 employees of the city government, members of the police force, jail officers and even prosecutors and court employees underwent drug testing as part of the city’s campaign against illegal drugs.

The move was also in compliance with a directive from the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

As stated in Memorandum Circular No. 13 of the CSC, “any official or employee found positive for use of dangerous drugs shall be subjected to disciplinary/administrative proceedings with a penalty of dismissal from the service at first offense.” Upon dismissal, the employees will automatically be denied their salary and benefits.

The test results were forwarded to the city government only recently.

“I’m warning our employees. It doesn’t mean that because they tested negative, I will take my eyes off them. This mandatory drug test will be done yearly because we want to cleanse our ranks,” Abalos said.