𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆-𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐘, 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐒 𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐌 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆 𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐒
The Cebu Provincial Government enacted a strict drug-free workplace policy, authorizing random drug tests for all officials and employees, regardless of rank, status, or salary, following the signing of Executive Order (EO) No. 2 by Gov. Pamela Baricuatro on January 12, 2026.
The EO mandates random testing, operationalizing Provincial Ordinance No. 2025-10, also known as the “Drug-Free Workplace Ordinance”.
Authored by Sixth District Board Member Alfred Francis Ouano, chair of the committee on dangerous drugs abuse prevention, the ordinance affirms the Capitol’s policy to maintain a safe work environment and ensure efficient public service free from the effects of illegal drug use.
Under the measure, the province may conduct authorized and random drug testing in accordance with Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PENALTY
Officials or employees found possessing, using, distributing, or selling illegal drugs—or holding drug paraphernalia—within or outside Capitol premises may face termination and criminal prosecution. The provincial government also commits to supporting the prosecution of drug-related offenses occurring within its premises or during official activities.
The ordinance prescribes detailed procedures for authorized drug testing consistent with Dangerous Drugs Board regulations and due process. Testing will be conducted randomly by Department of Health–accredited laboratories using screening and confirmatory methods, with strict chain-of-custody safeguards and confidentiality of results.
Drug testing is mandatory in specific instances, including pre-employment, discovery of drug paraphernalia, filing of drug-related charges, promotion to permanent status, and return to duty after rehabilitation.
Officials and personnel who refuse testing without valid reason may face administrative sanctions, while those who test positive may challenge results within 15 days from receipt of notice at their own expense. A final positive result will trigger administrative proceedings and intervention measures.
To ensure implementation, the EO creates a Drug-Free Workplace Committee chaired by the governor, with Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano as vice chairperson. Members include the heads of the Human Resource Management Office, Cebu Provincial Health Office, and Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Division, along with the president of the Provincial Employees Association of Cebu.
The committee will formulate and monitor policies, coordinate testing activities, uphold data privacy and due process, promote drug-abuse prevention programs, and oversee intervention, rehabilitation, and employee assistance initiatives, while submitting periodic reports to the governor.
An inter-office Assessment Team will support awareness efforts, clinical assessment, counseling, treatment referral, and employee assistance for affected personnel.
Administrative cases will be handled by the Committee on Discipline and Investigation under the Office of the Governor, with strict confidentiality of all drug-testing records ensured under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and other applicable laws.
In declaring a firm stand against illegal drugs within its ranks, the Cebu Provincial Government signals that public service must be anchored on discipline, accountability, and integrity—sending a clear message that a clean workforce is essential to delivering honest, efficient, and trustworthy governance to the Cebuanos it serves./file photo
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