Negros Occidental: The Negros Occidental provincial government has dismissed 16 contract workers who were found positive for illegal drugs during the mandatory random drug test conducted last month. Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II confirmed in an interview that 10 contract of service (COS) and job order (JO) workers, along with six security guards, tested positive.

According to Philippines News Agency, three permanent employees were also identified as drug-positive. Diaz explained that the contracts of the JO and COS workers were not renewed in January, and the security personnel were instructed to stop reporting to the Provincial Capitol.

The regular employees who tested positive have been notified and are required to undergo confirmatory tests. They have the option to pursue rehabilitation if they wish to be reinstated. Failure to comply may result in grave misconduct charges against them.

The Civil Service Commission's guidelines, under Resolution 1700653 dated March 15, 2017, mandate that government agencies maintain a drug-free environment to ensure the effective delivery of public services. Drug testing is a prerequisite for initial entry into government service, and those testing positive will not be hired or appointed. Incumbent public officials and employees must also submit to mandatory random drug testing as a condition for continued service.