There was no special treatment for the local executives as they went through the procedure of filling out forms, physical examination and submission of urine samples.
“Ginawa namin ito para ipakita at maging ehemplo sa mga taga Olongapo. Kung yung iba nating mga kababayan ay umamin na user or pusher, ito naman ang paraan namin para ipaalam sa taong bayan na malinis at hindi involved sa drugs ang mga namumuno sa kanila,” Paulino said.
Among those who underwent drug testing were Vice Mayor Jong Cortez and city councilors Lugie Lipumano, Bj Cajudo, Noel Atienza, Ed Guerrero, Winnie Ortiz, Edna Elane, Linus Bacay, Bas Palo and Jerome Bacay.
“It was a surprise drug test, I told VM Jong and the city council to meet me in a restaurant and then I led them to the drug testing center,” Paulino said.
All tested negative for both methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as shabu and Mayor Rolen Paulino gives urine sample to medical technician for his drug test. Photo by Johnny R. Reblando marijuana.
Last week, some 400 drug dependents surrendered to Paulino and the city police and pledged not to go back using or dealing illegal drugs.
According to Paulino the city will be providing them livelihood option such as making eco bags, since the city is now implementing the no-plastic policy, and making caskets.
Paulino explained that the city will be providing free caskets to indigent residents who cannot afford it. “It will save us a lot of money, instead of buying from private funeral homes plus it will provide livelihood to others,” Paulino explained.
