CEBU City Vice Mayor Michael Rama has returned to the executive department the two job order workers assigned to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) who tested positive in the surprise drug test.
Rama called for a press conference Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, to clarify that the two identified employees were originally assigned at the Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS) but were transferred to the SP.
He said he is writing a letter to the executive department so Mayor Edgardo Labella will act on the matter.
“The appointment was signed by the mayor. I will just be returning them to the mother unit,” said Rama.
The City Legal Office already rendered its legal opinion for the termination of the 13 casual and job order workers of the City who had tested positive for illegal drug use since September.
Though the drug test result of the two job order workers is still subject to a confirmatory test, he said appropriate action must be taken since “matters like this are very delicate.”
“I am very careful about it because I am (also) a victim without any due process,” he said.
In 2016, Rama was among the 159 local officials, judges and police whom President Rodrigo Duterte identified as “drug protectors.”
Rama had repeatedly denied the allegations and said he was never involved in illegal drug activities.
In March 2019, Rama was no longer included in the narco-list that Duterte released.
Meanwhile, around 290 barangay fire volunteers were subjected to a surprise drug test during their Christmas party at the Barangay Tinago gym on Friday, Dec. 13.
Capitol Site Barangay Councilor Kelly Quijada, who heads the barangay fire volunteers’ group, said they decided to conduct the drug test during their party as this was the only time they could gather all the volunteers.
The drug test was announced as the party was about to start.
Quijada said volunteers from four barangays did not show up but they will hold another drug test for those who were not around.
He warned that those who test positive will be removed from the group. The drug test results have yet to be released. (JJL with BBT, LRC)