DAVAO CITY, Philippines – City government employees, along with Mayor Sara Z. Duterte, took mandatory drug tests this week to comply a Civil Service Commission circular.
On Wednesday morning, October 11, at least 168 drivers of the City Hall took the said tests. Two days earlier, more than 30 heads of city government officials took the tests.
Duterte followed suit by Tuesday, October 10. She was negative for illegal drug use.
“The local government is not only implementing the memorandum from the Civil Service Commission, but also showing that we are serious in our commitment to support the government’s fight against illegal drugs,” said Michael Denton Aportadera, the Davao City Anti-Drug Council (Cadac) officer.
Under Civil Service Commission (CSC) Circular no. 13, government employees, whether they hold plantilla or job order positions, have to undergo the mandatory random drug test.
In a statement, the mayor said submitting to a drug test sends the message that the local government is supportive of the national government’s campaign against illegal drugs.
“We have to be an example to our society with regard to healthy living, and being clean, and not engaging into drugs, and we should also set an example to the people of Davao — that we should never engage in illegal drugs,” she said.
She added that employees who will test positive for illegal drugs will be referred to Cadac for rehabilitation. However, employees found positive of drug use may face termination.
“He could be terminated but we will definitely assess his records and consider many factors, including the length of service. For regular employees, we will refer to Cadac,” she said. (davaotoday.com)
