CAPITOL EYES RANDOM DRUG TEST ON AUGUST

BACOLOD CITY-- The provincial government will finally implement a random drug test next month, acting provincial administrator Lucille Gelvolea said yesterday. "Provincial human resource officer Atty. Annabelle Palic had already submitted the proposal and when funds are available it will be immediately conducted", Gelvolea said adding that this will be the first time that the Capitol will implement it for the employees. She said that the employees will be "randomly tested at unannounced date." The existing policy is that it was just required only for drivers, Gelvolea said. "Now, the drug test is part of the efforts of the Civil Service Commission to professionalize government employees and those who are in government are really worth to be in public service," she added. Those found positive may face possible suspension and a ground for dismissal from service, she also said. "But it will follow due process," Gelvolea said. Last year, Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) of Negros Occidental approved Executive Order No. 2, series of 2016, issued and signed by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. mandating the random drug testing to include permanent, contractual, co-terminus, temporary and contract of service, or job order personnel. The random drug testing will be conducted either through lottery, manual or through computerization. The payment for the drug testing will be financed by the provincial government of Negros Occidental, and conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine National Police and accredited drug testing laboratory. Gelvolea said that the governor "as our leader will be willing to volunteer himself to tested."

7:39PM