Tom to sack barangay workers found positive with drugs

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña has warned the 130 barangay workers who tested positive in the random drug-testing conducted by the Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP) that they could face termination, even without the confirmatory testing.

“Well, you better be clean. You know under my policy, especially if I hired you, you have to prove your innocence. Do not say “find the proof” to make you guilty.  If somebody says you are under the influence (of drugs), you are out. Finish,” Osmeña said.

In an earlier report, COSAP has found 130 barangay workers positive in the random drug-test conducted in the 76 of the 80 barangays in Cebu City.

However, the results of those barangay workers are still subject for a confirmatory testing in Manila that will take about month at most, according to outgoing COSAP Head Dr. Alice Utlang.

If confirmed that they are positive to be using illegal drugs, only then that the workers would be terminated and will undergo the COSAP’s “We Care” rehabilitation program. These workers will only have the chance to serve in the government again, once they are fully rehabilitated.

Utlang stated that the random drug-testing is part of the campaign for a drug-free workplace.

On the other hand, Barangays Pari-an and Kamagayan are happy for being part of very few barangays where no workers were found positive in the drug-test.

July Olmos, Kamagayan’s BPSO-PIO, said that they are among the few barangays congratulated by Cebu City Councilor David Tumulak for having a negative result in the test.

“Nalipay gyud ko kay ingon-ana ka nindot ang resulta. Bisag sa kadtong surprise drug-test nga gi-conduct sa amo, negative pod mi,” Kamagayan Barangay Captain Raquel Avila said.

Barangay Pari-an BPSO-Driver Ildefonso Sison also expressed his happiness after knowing that their barangay was one of those that were found negative in the drug-test.

Meanwhile, incoming COSAP head Garry Lao is set to replace Utlang by Thursday, after Osmeña gave him the post recently.  Lao, who ran for councilor in the north district, was part of Osmeña’s team in last year’s elections.

Utlang said that she will present to Lao the office’s accomplishment and COSAP’s unfinished programs, including the drug-test, so Lao could continue the said programs.

COSAP’s “We Care” rehabilitation program will also be undergoing a Memorandum of Understanding with rehabilitation centers during Lao’s term, Utlang said. — Frazene Dolly E. Alterado (FREEMAN)