EDITORIAL - Setting the bar higher

In a bid to clean up the city government of employees using illegal drugs, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella vowed to dismiss all City Hall workers who tested positive for drugs during the recent massive screenings.

Since last month, at least 42 City Hall workers tested positive during random drug tests conducted by the City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention. While saying he is willing to help rehabilitate those drug users, Labella said the contracts of casual employees will not be renewed.

It seems the large quantity of City Hall workers who tested positive for drugs strengthened Labella’s decision not to give those who tested positive a second chance, as he urged other local government offices to also subject their employees to testing.

"I'm going to fire all of them… 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," the mayor was quoted by this paper as saying.

Yes, it is good Labella is dismissing and not giving a second chance to those city government employees who tested positive for illegal drugs. Such a move clearly sends a message that City Hall has no place for drug users.

However, as the mayor heightens the drive against illegal drug use in his own backyard, he should also look into how those drug users were able to find employment at City Hall under his watch. Labella should also investigate the employment process to see if there is any loophole in the hiring of job applicants.

Since the previous administrations, many City Hall employees have been found using illegal drugs. Therefore, it is high time to set the bar higher – from strict screening of job applicants to constant random drug testing – if we really want to have a drug-free city government.