300 from City Hall undergo drug tests

At least 300 personnel of Cebu City’s Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) underwent a surprise drug test yesterday.

The surprise drug test was administered by the City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (Cosap).

In an interview, Cosap chief Garry Lao said DEPW is the ninth City Hall department to undergo a surprise drug test this year.

But prior to that, Lao lamented that his office received a few concerns from some employees from the engineering office.

“Despite that, their response was good. Whether they like it or not, we have to facilitate the drug test,” he told reporters.

Among the concerns raised were the need for an assurance that there will be no switching of urine samples, and that there was no politics involved in the conduct of the test. Lao stood pat that the paraphernalia are secured and no politicking is involved.

“The administration is very clear and simple. If you use drugs and tested positive, without second thoughts, it’s outright termination of services,” Lao said.

“The surprise drug test has been very effective. our goal is not to run after certain people. Ours is to ensure City Hall is a drug-free workplace,” he added.

The results of yesterday’s drug test will be released in two days, but will still be subject to a confirmatory test.