More than one thousand employees of Davao del Norte underwent a surprise drug test last Tuesday, October 11, 2016 as part of the drive for a Drug-Free DavNor.
Last September 19, 2016, Capitol officials led by Governoer del Rosario, Vice Governor Allan Dujali along with the members of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan and the deparment heads tested negative for drugs.
Also, it can be recalled that part of the Drug-Free Workplace Committee action plan is to conduct surprise and/or random drug test for all employees. This shall be conducted yearly especially for Job Orders and Casual employees whose contracts are being renewed every six (6) months.
After the presentation of the 2017 Budget, that included a raise in employee salaries and benefits, the Provincial Administrator Samson Sanchez reiterated that government service is not a right, rather a privelege with accompanying responsibilities.
“Our being in the government service is not our right, but it’s a privilege given to us by the Constitution of the country. And such privilege has a corresponding responsibility. Ug ubos sa batakang balaod 9165 or Dangerous Drug Act ang gibuhat sa atong halangdong gobernador nga drug-free workplace committee nga pinasubay sa programa sa atong presidente Rody Duterte [Under the Republic Act 9165 or Dangerous Drug Act, our Honorable Governor created the Drug-Free Workplace Committee which is also aligned to the (Anti-Illegal Drugs) program of President Rody Duterte]. . . Karong buntaga [This morning], we will allow ourselves for a mandatory random drug test to be conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency,” matod ni Sanchez.
The employees have signed a Waiver to voluntary submit to PDEA for a drug test. Results will be kept confidential. However, should an employee test positive, he/she must submit to undergo free rehabilitation in a government institution or shoulder expenses should he/she opt to a private institution.
The positive result will not automatically become grounds for termination. However if will test positive for illegal drugs on the second time, RA 9165 shall be enforced in full to the said employee.
Free snacks and lunch were served to all who employees who underwent the drug testing.
“So take your time, take your merienda, drink a lot of fluid para dali mong makaihi [so you can easily pee]. Ayaw mo kahadlok kung wala mo’y gitago [You should not be afraid if you have nothing to hide],” said the Provincial Administrator in closing.
Due to the number of urine samples, the PDEA is still ongoing examination and evaluation up to this writing.
