Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo said 11 of 100 local government employees who underwent random drug testing initially tested positive, describing the result as alarming while emphasizing that confirmatory tests and due process must be completed before any final action is taken.
Robredo confirmed the figures in an interview with the Naga City Hall Press Corps, as reported by Bicol News Star and Radyo Pilipinas Naga. She said the findings have raised serious concerns within the city government as it evaluates how to implement its anti-drug campaign among its own personnel.
“Alarming ang random test dahil kung hindi ako nagkakamali, sa 100 na sumailalim sa random drug test, 11 ang nag-positive. Sobrang laki nito,” Robredo said.
According to the Situation Report, those who initially tested positive include permanent, job order and casual employees. Their samples will still be subjected to confirmatory testing, and Robredo said no final decision will be made until the results are released.
“Paano tayo makaka-implement ng maayos na anti-drug program kung sa City Hall hindi natin maayos?” Robredo said.
Robredo said the city government would adhere to Civil Service rules and existing local procedures in addressing the cases. She added that employees who voluntarily seek rehabilitation will not automatically lose their jobs, as the city intends to extend assistance to those in need of medical treatment.
“Kapag user, itong hindi pusher, obligasyon ng gobyerno na tulungan siya na mag-reform,” she said.
Robredo also said the city would impose tougher measures against anyone found to be involved in the illegal drug trade. While awaiting the confirmatory test results, the LGU will also examine the records of the employees concerned, including the reported attendance issues of at least one worker.
