5 government workers axed over drug use

KORONADAL CITY, Philippines – Five employees of the provincial capitol of South Cotabato have been dismissed for illegal drug use, an official said yesterday.

South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance Fuentes said the workers flunked the random drug test the provincial government recently conducted.

The random drug test was meant to increase awareness on the harmful effects of drug use in the workplace, Agustin Demaala, head of the provincial anti-drug abuse council, said.

Demaala said illegal drug use affects the productivity, decision-making, performance and safety of government workers.