- GILBERT BAYORAN
The provincial government of Negros Occidental is validating reports on the use of illegal drugs, and even alleged drug peddling activities inside the Capitol establishments.
Provincial Administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, confirmed Wednesday, Aug. 2, he received consistent reports of drug use, and even drug selling inside the Capitol.
The provincial government is set to conduct another bidding for the purchase of drug testing kits, after the first bidding failed, to be used in the random drug testing of its employees.
Diaz said they are hastening the bidding of drug test kits “to really identify who they are”; he stressed that the rumors remain unsubstantiated, as of this time.
He also refused to name those allegedly involved in the drug use and drug peddling reports.
“It’s not that alarming,” Diaz said, adding that they initially imposed discipline by transferring personnel to other assignments to limit movements.
“But we cannot really conclusively say that somebody is a suspect, as there is no drug testing yet,” he said.
Diaz said the Human Resource Office has already been instructed to coordinate with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in identifying possible targets of drug testing.
“The governance of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is abiding with the law and responsible government, and that involves (personnel) being fit for work,” he said.
“Indulging in substance abuse renders us not in a good condition to render public service mentally, emotionally, and physically,” Diaz said./GB
