Cebu City Hall revamp looms; drug users out

ANOTHER revamp of department heads in Cebu City Hall will be implemented soon.

While a formal order is yet to be issued, City Hall sources said Evangeline Abatayo, head of the Civil Registrar will be moved to head the city’s Human Resources and Development Office (HRDO).

She would replace acting HRDO head Jovy Morellos, who used to be assistant city administrator.

Mayor Michael Rama could not be reached for comment on the matter.

But he mentioned during his noontime press conference that he is once again going over the performance evaluations of the city’s casual employees.

In March, themayor reassigned Cathy Yso, head of the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS), to head the City Risk Reduction Management Office.

Dr. Ester Concha was named new head of DSWS.

The mayor said he has already signed some contracts for the renewal of casual employees.

“I already started to sign some of the contracts this morning. So far, I have not renewed the contracts of those who tested postive for illegal drug use,” said Rama.

He did not specify how many tested positive for use of illegal drugs.

Rama said that he has to discontinue the service of these personnel even if they have yet to undergo confirmatory drug testing.

“Sometimes it hurts (to let them go) but it must be done,” he said to protect the interest of the city goernment.

Among those who tested positive in the city’s random drug testing were a driver from the city treasurer’s office and a personnel from the Department for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP).