4 Jamindan municipal workers test positive for drug use

By Felipe V. Celino

Clarification: The photos of the mayor and former mayor were included to highlight their statements regarding the case, as detailed in the story—not because they are the employees in question. Unfortunately, some readers drew conclusions based solely on the images without reading the full report.

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Four municipal employees of the Jamindan local government unit have tested positive for illegal drug use during a recent random drug test.

According to former Jamindan mayor and current municipal administrator Mac Artur Valdemar, three of those who tested positive are regular employees, while one is a contractual worker.

The results were based on confirmatory testing conducted by a Department of Health (DOH)-licensed laboratory.

The employees involved are currently on leave while awaiting final action from the municipal administration.

Under Civil Service Commission (CSC) rules, due process must be observed when disciplining government workers involved in illegal drug use.

Valdemar said newly assumed Mayor Donnah Valdemar will take disciplinary action against the four.

He clarified that the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the police were not involved, as the testing was part of the local government’s internal initiative.

He added that the drug tests are conducted annually as part of the government’s anti-drug campaign.

Valdemar also said his wife, Mayor Valdemar, is determined to cleanse the municipal government of drug use.

The surprise drug test for Jamindan employees was conducted on July 16, 2025.