Defective driver's licenses an isolated case, says supplier

 The problem of fading and substandard driver’s licenses was an isolated case that they’ve already tackled, a government supplier said yesterday.

Erdie Cuevas, Amalgamated Motors of the Philippines Inc. (AMPI) vice president, said out of more than 10 million driver’s licenses cards issued nationwide, “only a few thousands” were fading and substandard.

“We have already recalled the cards and replaced (them) with new ones for free,” he said. AMPI supplies driver’s licenses to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Cuevas said the defective driver’s licenses manufactured between 2004 and 2005 were a result of the shipment of thin plastic overlay which they immediately noticed and corrected.

The new driver’s licenses being processed and released in LTO satellite offices nationwide and shopping malls in Metro Manila could last for years, he added.

AMPI has manufactured professional and non-professional driver’s licenses for the government since 1972, he added.    – Perseus Echeminada