2 Lapu-Lapu workers test positive for drug use

Local

TWO Lapu-Lapu City Hall employees tested positive for illegal drugs, following a recent surprise drug testing conducted as part of the city’s continuing campaign for a drug-free workplace.

The city has confirmed that the two employees who tested positive for shabu will be dismissed from service, citing Civil Service Commission rules that classify illegal drug use as grave misconduct warranting termination even on the first offense.

The drug testing was ordered by Mayor Cindi King-Chan and facilitated by the City of Lapu-Lapu Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (Closap).

The drug testing covered 204 personnel from the City Traffic Management System (CTMS). Initial results showed that two employees tested positive for methamphetamine, while one employee tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.

However, confirmatory testing later yielded a negative result for the employee initially flagged for THC use.

The two who tested positive for shabu were confirmed through follow-up laboratory analysis, giving the city grounds to proceed with administrative sanctions.

Chan stressed that the city will not tolerate drug use among its personnel.

“Walay lugar ang ilegal nga droga sa serbisyo publiko…Kung kinsa man ang masakpan nga nalambigit sa paggamit og ilegal nga droga, dili gyud nato tugotan nga magpadayon pa sa serbisyo,” she said.

“Public service is a position of trust, and we will never compromise that trust. Dili nato tugutan nga ang katawhan mosalig sa mga empleyado nga wala nagpakabana sa balaod ug integridad,” Chan added.

The mayor said that random and unannounced drug tests will continue in all City Hall offices to maintain integrity, accountability, and public trust in local governance.

Closap said the city remains committed to promoting a safe, healthy, and drug-free working environment for all employees and to implementing preventive measures that deter substance abuse in government service.(MyTVCebu)