Claveria to test its civil servants for drug use

By LITO RULONA,
Correspondent

Local officials of the municipality of Claveria, Misamis Oriental worries over report that some of the local official and employees have been  reportedly engaged in using and are hooked on illegal drugs.

Town Vice Mayor Meraluna Salvaleon-Abrogar disclosed to Gold Star Daily that she received information that some barangay and municipal employees have been reportedly hooked on illegal drugs like shabu and marijuana.

“Dili nato malilong nga bisan kapitan, kagawad og bisan opisyal sa lungsod. How much more sa mga empleyado. Kabalo mi nga daghan sa mga empleyado nga naga-gamit sa ginadili nga droga,” she said.

To stop this menace, she said they had passed a local resolution before the Sangguniang Bayan through a Memorandum of Understanding to conduct random drug testing to all elected, appointed and hired government employees in their town.

“Mao unta ang mamahimong model sa katawhan apan naa man gihapon. Mipirma kaming tanan that those found positive during drug tests would face an automatic dismissal from public servicel. Regular employees found positive would pass through due process but those casual and job orders would face immediate termination,” she said.

Abrogar said the local action of the local government of Claveria is made in compliance to the Dangerous Drugs Board’s Drug-Free Workplace Program in relation to Republic Act No.9165, otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.”

She said they also adhere with Civil Service Commission (CSC) Resolution No. 101359, requiring mandatory drug test during recruitment to avoid lower productivity, poor decision-making, increased accidents and reduced team effort in the workforce; and advocacy, education and training to increase awareness on the harmful effects and dangers of drug use and abuse in the workplace; general health and well-being programs to encourage public servants to lead a healthy lifestyle while at work and home.

During Monday’s regular session, Abrogar announced the start of the random drug testing to all local officials and employees which caught some of the employees by surprise.

“Nageact sila kay daghan sa mga empleyado ang nagagamit sa ginadili nga droga. Kabalo kami kung kinsa kana sila. With the resolution given by the CSC, dili na kita mahadlok nga iandom drug test kini sila,” she said.