AT LEAST six employees working for Lapu-Lapu City’s Traffic Management System (CTMS) have tested positive for illegal drug use and face possible termination.
The six CTMS enforcers were among 50 Lapu-Lapu City Hall employees who were randomly tested for illegal drug use on Monday, August 1, 2022, according to City of Lapu-Lapu Substance Abuse and Prevention (Closap) executive director Garry Lao.
Lao said the urine specimens of the employees found positive in the screening test will be submitted for confirmatory testing.
The drug test on all City Hall employees was done in compliance with Executive Order 35 issued by Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, or the “Drug Free Workplace” program, Lao said.
Drug use at City Hall
Lao added they also received information that personnel assigned in some offices at City Hall were reportedly using illegal drugs.
However, he admitted that they were hard to catch for verification as most of them were often working on field.
The personnel found positive for drug use were working on a job order basis and were all assigned in the field, Lao added.
“The administration of Mayor Ahong (means) serious business when it comes to drugs. They already know the rules,” Lao said, adding that the random drug testing will be conducted in all offices to ensure that no drug users penetrate their ranks.
In 2019 and 2020, at least seven and four traffic enforcers, respectively, were dismissed from their jobs after testing positive for illegal drugs. (PR)