News Briefs: Oct. 18, 2018

DDB: Mandatory drug test awaits elected local execs

The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) on Wednesday reminded all elected local government officials they would be required to undergo a drug test.

The agency said the mandatory test for local officials and appointed public officers was already enshrined in DDB Regulation No. 13 that took effect this month.

The DDB regulation provides for the establishment of drug-free workplace policies in all government offices.

Any public servant found positive for using prohibited drugs would be charged with grave misconduct and may be dismissed from public service.

The penalty of imprisonment ranging from six months to four years and a fine ranging from P10,000 to P50,000 are also imposed on any person found violating DDB regulations. —Jaymee T. Gamil

First PH missile-armed frigate takes form in SK

Philippine Navy chief Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad attended in Ulsan, South Korea, on Tuesday the keel laying of the first of two new frigates due for delivery to the country in 2020.

The ceremony was held at the naval dock of Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

Keel laying is the start of the construction of the ship’s backbone, around which the hull is built.

The Philippines and HHI signed in October 2016 a P16-billion contract for two missile-armed frigates with another P2 billion set aside for their weapon systems.

Steel-cutting for the frigate took place in April. —Jeannette I. Andrade

Ex-Agusan mayor gets 12 years for fund misuse

The Sandiganbayan has sentenced former Loreto, Agusan del Sur Mayor Herminio Reyes to a prison term of 12 to 20 years for misappropriating the P1.6-million funding for the construction of the municipal building.

Reyes was found guilty of one count each of graft and malversation over the transfer of the public funds to the bank account of private entity Loreto Transport Services Association Inc. on March 10, 2003.

Although a resolution authorized the release of the funds for the municipal building project, the amount was used for a livelihood project in the form of loans to government employees, according to the court decision.

Former Sangguniang Bayan presiding officer Virgilio Julao and members Ma. Marley Daday, Leo Gomez, Arturo Estil, Joel Plaza and Romeo Magadan were each sentenced to six to 10 years in prison for one count of graft. —Vince F. Nonato