18 CH workers lose job after failing drug tests

After they tested positive of illegal drug use in surprise drug tests, the services of some 18 Cebu City Hall employees were terminated by Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

Of the number, 15 were from the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) while the other three worked under the City Assessor’s Office.

The mayor signed their letter of termination of service last Wednesday morning.

“They were undesirable. This serves as a warning (to other City Hall employees). I’m starting my own religion in City Hall. If God has 10 commandments, I only have one--don’t get caught,” Osmeña said.

Earlier, lawyer Marie Velle Abella, Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) officer-in-charge, said that services of all casual and job-order employees who tested positive of illegal drugs are automatically terminated.

Regular employees, on the other hand, are advised to resign.

City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (Cosap) chief Garry Lao has been firm about keeping City Hall a drug-free workplace.

He said that his office has been conducting surprise drug tests in different City Hall departments and offices since January.

These include Cosap, DEPW, City Assesor’s Office, City Accounting Office, HRDO, Management Information and Computer Services, City Planning, Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor, City Budget and the Department of Social Welfare Services. /