A total of 176 city government employees underwent a surprise drug test initiated by Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr.

The drug testing is in line with the aim of Mayor Lazatin to ensure that the city hall will be a drug-free workplace, as stated in his eight-point agenda presented during his inauguration speech for his second term. 

The 176 employees include 144 traffic enforcers, workers and staff from the Angeles City Traffic Development Office and 32 from the Public Transportation and Regulatory Office.

According to Angeles City Anti-Drug Abuse Council Head Richard Alan Saul, the surprise drug test was conducted last January 14, 2023 at the City Hall lobby, as ordered by Mayor Lazatin. 

“Ang utos po ni Mayor Lazatin, those who will yield positive will undergo rehabilitation immediately,” Saul shared. 

In 2022, the same program was also implemented, where 141 employees from Angeles City Tourism Auxiliary and Gender and Development Office underwent a surprise drug test.

It can be recalled that it was under the watch of Lazatin that the Balay Silangan reformation center was established, which Lazatin said will be expanded in his second term. 

The Balay Silangan Reformation Center is a brainchild of former Director General Aaron Aquino of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to reform illegal drug offenders.

IC Calaguas, chief adviser of Mayor Lazatin, said all employees will undergo surprise drug testing as ordered by Lazatin.