CITY'S DRUG TEST 'NOT OFFICIAL'

The Lapu-Lapu City Health Office is not an accredited office to conduct drug
test on city employees.

Because of that, their findings can be questioned in court or the City can
be charged, a source said.

Sun.Star called up the licensing office of the Department of Health (DOH) 7
and asked if the Lapu-Lapu health office is in the list of accredited
laboratories to conduct drug tests.

DOH officer Cherry Frejoles said that it is not. Even the Cebu City Health
Office is also not accredited, she said.

Almost 1,000 Lapu-Lapu City Hall employees underwent a surprise drug test
last July 5.

Positive Results

Mayor Arturo Radaza confirmed that some tested positive, although he didn't
disclose how many.

Last Wednesday, the City Council deferred the approval of a request from the
mayor's office for P441,600 worth of metamphetamine from supplier Capicor.
They wanted to clarify things.

But City Attorney Joseph Lim, who is also the bids and awards committee
chairman, clarified yesterday over the phone that what they intend to buy
are drug test kits for metamphetamine, or tests to detect presence of
metamphethamine or sha-bu in one's body.

The City has been conducting surprise drug tests on its employees since
2002. The last one was last July 5.

Sun.Star called up Lapu-Lapu City Health Officer Rodulfo Berame for his
reaction, but he was unavailable.

Application

Drug test laboratories, government or privately owned, must apply for
accreditation from the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services of DOH. The
bureau's director is Nicolas Lutero.

Before applicants are accredited, bureau personnel inspects the laboratory
or assign the regional DOH licensing division, headed by Dr. Mariter
Bautista, to inspect.

The licensing division then submits its recommendation to the bureau.

The same source said the bureau not only inspects the facilities and
equipment, but it also determines if the laboratory staff is properly
trained to conduct drug testing.

Drug-Testing Law

They also check if the proper procedure is being followed.

The Lapu-Lapu City Council approved a drug-testing ordinance last February
2002.

The ordinance provides that employees found positive of drugs will be
advised to go on leave or be required to undergo rehabilitation.

Those who are on a contractual basis will not get their contract renewed.

In October that same year, the City conducted surprise drug tests on its
employees. Some tested positive of shabu. They again conducted surprise
tests in January 2003 and again some tested positive.