SEVERAL offices within Cebu City Hall are “drug-influenced,” according to reports from the Human Resource and Development Office (HRDO) and the City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (Cosap).
This information came to light during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 23, 2025.
HRDO identified the Department of Public Services, Prevention, Restoration Order, Beautification and Enhancement, and Cebu City Transportation Office as “drug-influenced.”
Other offices mentioned were the Local School Board and the City Market Office.
HRDO head Henry Tomalabcad, in an interview on Monday, said most of these offices have employees working on night shifts.
Tomalabcad said employees of the mentioned offices might have used drugs “to stay awake and alert.”
“There are offices, especially those with night shifts and 24/7 operations, that are affected,” said Tomalabcad.
Intervention
He said regular employees who test positive for illegal drug use must participate in a four-month drug intervention session organized by Cosap.
Casual and job order employees, meanwhile, are subject for termination, he said.
Cosap head Jonah John Rodriguez, in a separate interview on the same day, named Cebu City barangays who achieved “drug-cleared” status.
Among the barangays he mentioned were Barangays T. Padilla, Bulacao, Pahina San Nicolas, Bonbon and Pardo.
Rodriguez said these barangays previously faced illegal drug problems, but completed a thorough clearing process to remove illicit drug activities.
Drug-cleared barangays refer to barangays that were previously classified as drug-affected and underwent barangay drug clearing program and then declared as drug-cleared by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC).
Rodriguez said this is different from drug-free barangay status, which refers to an unaffected barangay that has been vetted and confirmed by ROCBDC.
Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros, along with City Hall employees, signed a pledge of commitment to a drug-free Philippines during a flag-raising ceremony last June 23. / Jairus Antonio Zoilo Amora, Holy Name University Intern, Ruyz Angela Lois Mañacap, CNU Intern