Valenzuela City Hall workers to undergo drug tests

Valenzuela City Mayor Emmanuel "Bobbit" Carlos has ordered all city hall employees, including consultants, to undergo and pass a mandatory drug test or risk losing their jobs.

Carlos issued the memorandum early this week to address the drug problem in the city.

According to a press statement, Carlos, through the city’s human resource management office, has ordered all regular, casual, contractual, and co-terminus city hall employees to "show proof" that they have undergone drug tests and are not using prohibited drugs.

"This is based on my discretion as appointing authority and I believe that this is necessary to make (the) city government drug-free," Carlos, a medical doctor by profession, said in a statement.

The order is expected to be implemented in the barangay level as well. Non-compliance would result in the mayor’s rejection of appointment or re-appointment papers of employees. Moreover, names of those who refuse to undergo drug testing would be posted in "conspicuous places within the city hall, as well as public places until they comply with the order," the statement further read.

On the other hand, those found to be guilty of drug use would be recommended for rehabilitation. Legal action would be filed against those who refuse to undergo rehabilitation. – Nikko Dizon