FOLLOWING confirmatory testing, two job order employees of the Lapu-Lapu City Traffic Management System (CTMS) are facing termination for the confirmed use of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu).
Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan affirmed the city’s firm stance on maintaining a drug-free workplace, stating that public service is a position of trust that will not be compromised.
The confirmatory test results were received by the City of Lapu-Lapu Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (Closap) on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, said Closap executive director Garry Lao in a message to SunStar Cebu.
Three employees were subjected to confirmatory testing last June 2 and two of them were confirmed positive for methamphetamine, Lao added.
The third individual initially tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but the confirmatory test returned a negative result.
Chan said the results provide sufficient grounds for the dismissal of the individuals who tested positive for the illegal substance, in accordance with Civil Service Commission (CSC) regulations.
The CSC policy classifies illegal drug use as grave misconduct, which is punishable by dismissal even on the first offense.
Surprise drug testing for all government employees will be strictly enforced to ensure a drug-free workplace and uphold public trust, said Chan.
“Public service is a position of trust, and we will never compromise that trust. We will not allow the people to place their confidence in employees who disregard the law and lack integrity,” Chan said in a mix of English and Cebuano. / DPC