Mandaue City has terminated 18 job order personnel of its Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) after they tested positive in a random drug test, prompting the local government to require drug clearance from future job order applicants.
City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on Jr. announced the dismissals during a press briefing on Monday, Oct. 19, saying Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano ordered the termination on Oct. 16.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Office (SAMHSO) conducted the random drug test on Oct. 13, covering at least 300 TEAM personnel. Eighteen tested positive.
Malig-on said the city acted out of concern for public safety, citing the traffic personnel’s duties in managing road traffic and assisting motorists.
He said the administration would not exempt personnel from disciplinary action because of their performance or personal connections.
“Bisan pa og mayng laki ka, pero naa ka sa drugs, positive ka, tangtang gyud. Wala tay pilion ana,” Malig-on said.
The 18 personnel will still undergo confirmatory testing as required by protocol, he said. The city proceeded with the terminations to demonstrate its commitment to workplace safety.
TEAM was the second city office to undergo random drug testing this year. The first office tested in August had no positive results, Malig-on said.
The city plans to conduct random drug tests in two more offices before the end of the year as part of its efforts to address drug use among its workforce.
Meanwhile, Ouano and TEAM head Hyll Retuya have discussed measures to maintain the agency’s operations despite the removal of the 18 personnel.
Ouano also decided to require drug clearance from job order applicants before hiring them, extending a requirement that already applies to regular employees.
Malig-on said the additional screening measure aims to help prevent similar cases among city personnel.
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