Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Friday, September 2, that if ever the Negros Occidental provincial government conducts drug tests among its employees it will be unannounced.
“It’s going be a surprise”, he said.
Victorias City government’s surprise drug tests this week found ten job order casuals positive for the use of drugs, Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said on Thursday.
It is good for local government units (LGUs) to conduct surprise drug tests, Lacson said, pointing out that it was also done when he was mayor of San Carlos City.
“I think any LGU can do that, it’s still part of the program of cleaning up our bureaucracy,” he said.
“If you are a government employee, whether you are even just a casual, it is expected that you will not be involved in any drug activities or using drugs. We don’ need that in government,” Lacson said.
Renelo Lastierre, president of the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees, said “PACE welcomes drug tests for Capitol employees, including job orders. This would deter, if not totally eliminate, drug addiction involving those serving the public”.
He said they support such tests “for the protection of our fellow workers and those whom we serve while performing our respective duties and obligations”.*