Press Release
September 12, 2008

KIKO to Ombudsman: Investigate LTO for graft and corruption behind fading licenses

Senate Majority Leader and Independent senator Kiko Pangilinan today 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 drivers' licenses were made in violation of the anti-graft and corrupt practices act," said the Senator.

Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 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."

Kiko also said that the LTO should stop making preposterous excuses for its foul-up.

Reacting on the possibility that the fading of the licenses were caused by improper storage, and that only male drivers' licenses were affected, he insisted: "Matagal na natin inilalagay ang lisensya natin sa plastic eh bakit 'yung mga na isyu lang nung 2004 and 2005 ang kumupas? Kasalanan pa ngayon ng mga driver kung bakit kumupas ang mga lisensya? Tama ba yun? At paano naman nila ipaliliwanag ang mga lisensya na sa simula pa lang ay kupas na? 'Di talaga kapani-paniwala ang dahilan nila," he insisted.

"In the first place, it is not true that only male drivers' licenses faded. Madami akong kilalang babaeng drivers na nagrereklamo din. They just didn't avail of the free renewal because it was such a hassle. Huwag nilang ipasa sa taumbayan ang ginawa nilang kalokohan."

News Latest News Feed