Twenty-four employees of the local government unit in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental tested positive for illegal drugs following a drug screening conducted earlier this month, the town mayor said.
Mayor Emmanuel Aranda said the results, released Feb. 18, showed that several contractual and casual employees were among those who tested positive.
Around 400 local government employees underwent drug testing during the second week of February as part of the municipality’s campaign against illegal drugs, according to the mayor.
Aranda said the contracts of employees who tested positive may not be renewed. He did not immediately provide details on the specific positions of those involved.
The mayor clarified that the drug testing initiative was carried out to maintain discipline, credibility and integrity in public service. He added that the local government aims to ensure that its workforce upholds standards expected of public servants.
The municipality has not announced further administrative or legal actions against the employees as of Thursday. Officials also did not disclose whether confirmatory tests would be conducted.
Local governments across the Philippines have periodically implemented drug testing among employees as part of internal policies aligned with national anti-drug efforts.
Aranda said the recent screening in Binalbagan was part of ongoing measures to reinforce accountability within the local government workforce.
Further updates are expected as the municipality reviews the employment status of those who tested positive and determines the next steps following the release of the results.
