In a decisive move to maintain a drug-free environment, the Negros Occidental provincial government has terminated the employment of 16 contract workers who tested positive for illegal drugs in a mandatory random drug test conducted last month. Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II disclosed that the group comprised 10 contract of service and job order workers, along with six security guards. Additionally, three permanent employees also tested positive. The contracts for the job order and contract of service workers were not renewed in January, and the security guards were instructed to cease reporting to their duties at the Provincial Capitol. Diaz explained that the permanent employees have been notified and are required to undergo a confirmatory test. They have the option to enter rehabilitation for possible reinstatement, failing which they will face charges of grave misconduct and will not be reinstated. This action aligns with the Civil Service Commission’s Resolution 1700653 from March 15, 2017, which mandates drug testing for new government hires and random testing for current employees to ensure the effective delivery of public services.
