CITOM employees in drugs to receive bonus

Cebu City traffic enforcers found positive for illegal drug use during a surprise drug testing last Saturday will still be getting their Christmas bonuses from the city government scheduled for release on Friday.

But Mayor Michael Rama said their employment contracts may no longer be renewed next year.

“I already gave instructions that those CITOM (Cebu Integrated Traffic Operations Management) personnel found positive for illegal drug use should not go back on field.  They should be put on the office or they be allowed to have their leaves used up,” said Rama.

Rama said that the enforcer who jumped from their 3rd floor office where the drug testing was held will automatically be terminated from work.

“Escape means guilt,” he said.

The surprise drug testing on CITOM personnel was timed for the injection to anti-flu vaccines on the 200 personnel of the agency last Saturday.

Results of the drug testing will still be subject to confirmatory testing, but Rama already made an announcement that those found positive during the drug testing may no longer be renewed.

CITOM Executive Director Rafael Yap said in an earlier interview that he would not want the bonuses of 16 personnel released, if he were to have his way.

Rama said he will also be asking Human Resources Development Office (HRDO) head Evangeline Abatayo to help CITOM personnel who opt to undergo rehabilitation, psychiatric help and other interventions. /Doris C. Bongcac, Chief of Reporters