To exemplify good governance and to achieve drug-free community, the provincial government employees in Ilocos Norte have undergone random drug testing.
Governor Imee R. Marcos, through a memorandum, has urged all employees of the provincial government including security guards to undergo mandatory test from July 11 onwards to show support on the intensified nationwide campaign of the Duterte administration against illegal drugs
Some 1,250 workers submitted themselves to random drug test at the provincial capitol.
The Department of Health (DOH) here took their urine samples to check if they were free from dangerous drugs especially methamphetamine hydrochloride otherwise known as shabu.
Fe Siazon, supervising administrative officer, said in a radio interview that an officer or employee found positive of dangerous drugs may be subjected to suspension or termination from service.
She said, Article 282 of the Labor Code and pertinent provisions of the Civil Service Law provide that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) are the implementing body for the said rule.
Results of the random drug tests of Ilocos Norte provincial workers will be forwarded to the governor. Administrative charges will be filed against whoever will be found guilty of using illegal drugs.
The nationwide call for mandatory drug testing is also in accordance with the provision of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 that warrants the conduct of random drug tests on public employees. (Cherry Joy. D. Garma/PIA1-Ilocos Norte)
