BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – City Hall here will fire 46 job order casuals who tested positive in a drug test ordered by sitting Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez who, however, tested negative after undergoing the same random check.
Lawyer and chief City Legal Officer Romeo Carlos Ting Jr told DNX the 46 workers will be terminated immediately after the results of the tests were revealed in a noontime presser by Benitez yesterday at the Government Center.
Figures released separately by the Information Office showed the 26 were part of the initial batch of 640 casuals that underwent the test.
The PIO breakdown showed 370 of the casuals are detailed to the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) while the 270 are with the Traffic Authority Office (BTAO).
Ting said the drug tests showed the employees violated Republic Act 9165 that provides for the institution of measures for drug-free workplaces.
He added, however, that no charges will be filed against these employees because they were not arrested for alleged use or possession of illicit drugs.
He did not mention, however, if City Hall will have these workers checked in to drug rehabilitation centers.
The BTAO is the implementation arm of the city’s traffic plans and programs while the POSO is tasked with, among others, the security of city assets and properties.
