Mandatory drug test for capitol employees starts

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Employees of the Negros Occidental provincial government underwent a mandatory drug test Monday.

Provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz told reporters yesterday (Monday) that the mandatory drug test will continue today (Dec 12) to cover all the 3,000 employees of the provincial government.

“Nobody is exempted,” Diaz stressed.

He said 3,000 employees are going to be tested for a period of two days per the memorandum issued by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.

Diaz said that he will also subject himself to the drug test as well as the governor and other elected provincial government officials.

As to reports of some employees avoiding the drug test, Diaz said “It has to be complied otherwise they will be sanctioned.”

“They know that it’s bound to happen as a condition for their continued employment with the provincial government,” he added.

Diaz further pointed out that the provincial government is doing its share to ensure a drug-free workplace for the employees like any other local government unit in the province.

Meanwhile, Diaz said that all is set for the Lights On ceremony at the provincial capitol on Wednesday, simultaneous with the birthday celebration of the governor.

It will be during this event that the governor will also announce how much Christmas bonus the employees will receive.

He hinted it will be higher than last year.