DILG leaves decision to SKF, barangay council

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of the Interior and Local Government is keeping its hands off from the cases of the two Sangguniang Kabataan chairmen who were recently tested positive of drug use in Cebu City.

DILG-7 director Pedro Noval said he will leave the matter to the SK Federation and the concerned barangay captains to decide what sanctions to impose against the youth officials.

Noval said the SK Federation may impose sanctions against these SK chairmen based on the Constitution and By-Laws of the organization. The barangay council where these youth leaders sit as ex-officio member can also impose the necessary sanction.

He however suggested that these SK chairmen should be compelled to undergo mandatory drug rehabilitation.

Memorandum Circular No. 13 of the Civil Service Commission states that, “any official or employees found positive for use of dangerous drugs shall be subjected to disciplinary and administrative proceedings with a penalty of dismissal from the service at first offense.”

Two SK chairmen from the mountain barangays were tested positive of using shabu during a surprise drug test conducted by the Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse and Prevention.

COSAP conducted the drug test upon the request of SK Federation president John Philip Po during their general assembly over the weekend.

The two SK chairmen are reportedly first degree cousins, said the barangay captain of one of those tested positive.

The barangay captain, who requested anonymity, said that COSAP officials already informed him about the results.

The barangay captain, who is also a former SK chairman, was dismayed of the report saying he never heard of any report that his SK chairman is using drugs.

He however said that the official is no longer staying in their barangay.

“Wala naman gyud na siya nagpuyo dinhi. Naa na siya sa iyang pikas barangay kuyog anang iyang ig-agaw nga chairman pud,” he said. — (FREEMAN)