At least 30 Cebu City employees use drugs

CEBU CITY –– At least 30 employees of Cebu City Hall were found positive for illegal drug use.

Of the number, one is a regular employee while the rest are casual and job order employees, said Jonah John Rodriguez, head of the Cebu City Office of Substance Abuse Prevention (Cosap).

The random drug test was conducted by the Cosap since Nov. 11.

Twenty-nine employees tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu while one tested positive for marijuana.

Of the 30, 10 are from the Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement team; nine from the Department of Engineering and Public Works; five from the Office of the Market Administration; two from the Department of General Services; two from the Parks and Playgrounds Office; and one each from the Office of City Registrar, and the Department of Social Welfare and Services.

Rodriguez said they have submitted the results of the drug test to a laboratory in Manila for confirmation, as well as to the City Legal Office.

“We will observe due process. These employees will be called to the city legal office, and it is up to the city legal office what to do with them,” he said.

He said City Mayor Edgardo Labella repeatedly stressed the need for employees to stay away from illegal drugs so as not to disrupt their daily tasks.

Rodriguez said those who would be found positive in the confirmatory test would undergo rehabilitation under the “We Care Program” of the city.

“We will help them rehabilitate themselves,” he said.

Edited by LZB