By Paulo Loreto Lim

Acting Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III recently signed an executive order creating the “Drug-Free Workplace Policy,” which seeks to promote a drug-free work environment and mandates drug testing for employees.
The city drug testing program requires employees be subject to random drug testing.
If an official or employee chooses not to comply with the policy, it would be considered misconduct and subject to administrative penalties; moreover, if one tests positive, they will be subject to disciplinary or administrative proceedings and dismissed from service.
Surprise inspections will also be conducted at City Hall, barangay halls, and other government establishments to ensure illegal drugs are not present.
Those found in possession of illegal drugs are subject to administrative disciplinary proceedings.
The order also creates the Drug-Free Workplace Committee (D-FWC), which will be tasked with overseeing policy; along with initiating training programs, education and awareness programs, and relevant family programs.
The D-FWC will be comprised of the city mayor, the Resource Employees Association of City Hall (REACH) president, the Human Resource and Management Office (HRMO) head, and the city health officer.
Meanwhile, another directive from the order is the creation of the anti-illegal drugs information box (A-IDIP), which are drop boxes that will be placed at City Hall and other government structures.
The box will allow the public to share information regarding drug addiction or offer tips to suspected drug users, while maintaining anonymity.
The D-FWC will review information from the drop box on a weekly basis./WDJ