SOME 449 Capitol employees and officials underwent a surprise drug test on Monday, October 1, right after the flag ceremony at the Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity Center (Nompac) in Bacolod City.
Lawyer Annabel Palic, head of the Provincial Human Resource and Management Office, said the provincial government spent P399 per drug test of each employee and official. "It was free for the Capitol employees as the provincial government spent for it", Palic said.
She pointed out that Monday's random drug test was just for Capitol-based employees and out of 449 employees, 189 have completed the whole process and 260 will have to complete the biometrics today, October 2.
"We will set surprise drug tests for those assigned outside Bacolod City like in the district hospitals and other offices under the provincial government," Palic said.
Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he also voluntarily submitted himself to the drug test at Nompac on Monday.
"I was found negative," Lacson said.
As to the complaints by some employees that they were not allowed to go out and it very hot inside while the test was being conducted, the vice governor said that those who complained are worried about something.
"The drug testing is actually delayed. The province should have done this last year," he said.
If the employees were informed that a drug test will be conducted, "we would not have that much attendance?' Probably not. In whatever manner it was done, it will serve a good purpose," he said.
"I hope that everybody who undertook the test will pass it with flying colors," Lacson said.
The Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (Pace) supported the surprise drug test.
Venchito Magalona, Pace president, said they have actually requested for a drug test in the past and they are happy that it was finally implemented by the HRMO.
Magalona said he has received reports on the alleged use of illegal drugs by some employees that's why they requested for the surprise drug test.
Palic also said the drug test is a requirement for all provincial government employees.
"For new hires, it is a requirement upon entry. For existing employees there is a mandatory drug testing," she said.
When asked what will happen in case there will be employees who will be found positive for drug use, Palic cited Memorandum Circular No. 13 aeries of 2017 of the Civil Service Commission.
"There will be a confirmatory test for those found positive, they will undergo counseling and rehabilitation. If they violate during rehab they will be charged with grave misconduct with a penalty of dismissal," she added.
