Pangilinan wants probe of fading driver's licenses

Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan has called on the Ombudsman to investigate possible anomalies behind the issuance of “fading” driver’s licenses by the Land and Transportation Office (LTO) in 2004 and 2005.

“We should find out if the substandard driver’s licenses were made in violation of the anti-graft and corrupt practices act,” Pangilinan said, citing Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 that specifically applies to corrupt practices “by officers and employees of offices or government corporations charged with the grant of licenses or permits or other concessions.”

Pangilinan said the LTO should stop making preposterous excuses for its foul-up. He did not accept the excuse that the fading of the licenses were caused by improper storage, and that only male driver’s licenses were affected.

“In the first place, it is not true that only male drivers’ licenses faded. Madami akong kilalang babaeng drivers na nag-rereklamo din. (I know women drivers who were also complaining.) They didn’t just avail of the free renewal because it is such a hassle,” he said.