Performance won’t matter: Labella to fire CH workers on drugs

CEBU, Philippines — "I'm going to fire all of them."

This was the statement of Mayor Edgardo Labella on the Cebu City Hall employees who tested positive for illegal drug use.

At least 42 workers have tested positive since the City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP) started conducting random drug screenings starting November 8.

"I cannot tolerate that. You all have to go regardless of who recommended you, regardless of your performance... If you use drugs, you're out of this office," Labella said.

The 42 workers include five from the Market Operations Division; 10 from the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, and Enhancement team; nine from the Department of Engineering and Public Works; four from the Department of Public Services; three from the Department of Manpower, Development and Placement; two from the Department of General Services; two from the Parks and Playground Committee; two from the City Assessor's Office; and one each from the City Registrar’s Office, Operation Second Chance, Office of the Mayor, Department of Public Services, and Office of the City Civil Registrar.

Labella earlier said the workers will go through due process, adding, he is willing to help them if they seek rehabilitation. The contract of the casual employees will no longer be renewed.

Labella said he is satisfied of the job COSAP, headed by Jonah John Rodriguez, is doing.

"We have 5,000 employees. It is not that easy. And, we will continue to do that," he said.

He urged other government agencies and office to also subject their workers to testing, contending that if Cebu City Hall has 42 drug users, other offices might also have.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Michael Rama and city councilors underwent drug screening during the City Council’s regular session yesterday. Rama himself requested for the screening. JMO (FREEMAN)