‘FIRST IN LINE’: Mayor Volunteers for Drug Test Initiative

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

To inspire confidence among Iloilo City Hall employees and promote a drug-free workplace, Mayor Jerry Treñas announced he would be the first to undergo testing under the city government’s mandatory drug-testing policy.

In a statement, Treñas reaffirmed plans to conduct random drug testing among job-order and regular employees.

The mayor said his participation in the program would “set a strong example of leadership and commitment to a drug-free Iloilo City.”

“The conduct of random drug testing among job-order and regular employees is a legal and proactive initiative to safeguard the integrity of our workforce and ensure a safe, healthy, and productive working environment,” Treñas said.

He emphasized that the program aims to address the harmful effects of dangerous drugs while promoting accountability, discipline, and responsibility within the city government.

“Let me emphasize that this initiative is not merely a compliance mechanism but a vital step in fostering a responsible and drug-free workplace that upholds the welfare of our employees and the public we serve,” he added.

The program stems from Memorandum Order No. 282, issued on September 9, 2024, which created the city government’s drug-free workplace committee and established internal guidelines for drug testing.

The initiative follows the arrest of a job-hire employee from the city government’s beautification program during a buy-bust operation in Molo district in late December.