VALENZUELA City – Fifty-nine city hall employees tested positive for illegal drug use, Mayor Rexlon “Rex” Gatchalian bared yesterday.
The mayor said that out of about 5,000 employees who took the surprise drug test last July only 59 turned out positive.
As what the mayor promised, all the 59 employees will be terminated immediately for drug use.
“These 59 employees who tested positive for illegal drug use will receive their termination order next week,” Gatchalian said.
The mayor added that “57 males, and two females” comprise those who tested positive for drug use.
“They came from different departments. Some of them, you’ll not expect them to be drug users,” the mayor said.
Gatchalian said that the 59 employees will not be abandoned by the city government because they will be given help to cope with their addiction.
“The 59 will receive assistance from us. Those hardcore drug users will be placed to a rehabilitation facility, and those casual users will be monitored, and placed in an outpatient rehabilitation center here,” the mayor said.
“The city government will still help them recover from their drug addiction. If they would change, we’ll help them to find a job,” Gatchalian assured.
On the other hand, Gatchalian said that one employee refused to undergo drug test, and will be removed along with the 59 who tested positive. (Jel Santos)