MANILA — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) lodged administrative and criminal complaints against Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) head Jesus Fernandez on Thursday, following allegations of corruption in the 2024 ambulance procurement.
According to the DILG, Fernandez played a central role in a PHP14.7-million bribery scheme, uncovered during a recent investigation into the bureau’s procurement processes.
Administrative charges against Fernandez include grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the service. Criminal charges cover direct bribery, malversation of public funds, conspiracy, and violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019).
“Public funds intended for emergency vehicles must not be diverted to corruption. We will pursue accountability to the fullest extent,” DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.
The department has asked the Office of the Ombudsman to place Fernandez under preventive suspension while the case proceeds.
Investigators claim that the acquisition of 132 Type 1 Basic Life Support ambulances was manipulated to benefit a favored supplier. Records indicate the supplier partnered with an automotive company in October 2024 merely to meet bid requirements, a move seen as a façade to secure the project.
Fernandez, who chaired the BFP Bids and Awards Committee at the time, allegedly received PHP6 million in cash in a suitcase and PHP4.752 million in a bag during a November 2024 meeting, followed by PHP4 million in September 2025 — totaling PHP14.752 million.
Evidence supporting the complaints includes sworn affidavits from the supplier and the automotive company’s manager, explaining how the payments were made and the contract obtained.
Remulla said additional BFP officials, including retirees, may be implicated in future complaints. “Retirement doesn’t exempt anyone from facing allegations of corruption,” he said.
The DILG is also preparing cases over alleged bid-rigging in fire safety equipment procurement dating back to 2021. Remulla previously noted that such practices may have allowed the BFP to generate as much as PHP15 billion yearly from questionable schemes.
A panel has meanwhile started vetting candidates for the next BFP chief. “We reviewed their financial and performance records, and two candidates are particularly strong,” Remulla noted.
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