By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday filed administrative and criminal complaints against Bureau of Fire Protection chief Jesus Fernandez before the Office of the Ombudsman.
The complaints stemmed from Fernandez’s alleged role in a PHP14.7-million bribery scheme linked to the 2024 procurement of ambulances that the DILG uncovered following an investigation.
In a press briefing, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said administrative charges include grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The criminal complaint, meanwhile, was for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, direct bribery, malversation of public funds, and conspiracy.
“Ambulances are meant to save lives. Public funds intended for emergency response will never be allowed to become vehicles for corruption. We will pursue the truth and ensure full accountability,” Remulla said.
The DILG asked the Office of the Ombudsman to place Fernandez under preventive suspension to protect the integrity of the proceedings.
According to the DILG, the procurement of 132 Type 1 Basic Life Support ambulances was manipulated to favor a pre-selected supplier.
Investigators allegedly found the supplier entered a joint venture with an automotive company in October 2024 solely to meet bidding requirements. Authorities believe the arrangement served as a legal front to secure the project.
Investigative records indicate that in November 2024, during a meeting in Quezon City, Fernandez — then chairperson of the BFP Bids and Awards Committee — received PHP6 million in a suitcase and another PHP4.752 million in a bag.
In September 2025, he allegedly received another PHP4 million in cash during a separate meeting.
The documented payoffs totaled PHP14.752 million, the DILG said.
The complaints are supported by a sworn testimony from the supplier’s representative detailing how the “SOP” (standard operating procedure) payments were computed and delivered, and an affidavit from the automotive company’s manager describing how the joint venture secured the contract.
Remulla said more BFP officials, including retired personnel, may be implicated in the case and in future complaints.
“Retirement does not absolve you from allegations and from being tried for corruption. Hindi siya bulletproof vest para hindi ka makasuhan (Retirement is not a bulletproof vest than can protect you from charges),” he said.
He added that the department is building more cases against BFP officials over alleged bid-rigging in the procurement of fire safety equipment dating back to 2021.
“This is just part one,” Remulla said, referring to the case against Fernandez.
“We have been developing cases relating to bid-rigging in the procurement of fire trucks,” he added.
Remulla previously alleged that the BFP was able to amass PHP15 billion annually through questionable practices, including compelling business owners to buy fire extinguishers from suppliers linked to inspectors, charging fees for complete firefighting services, and demanding money from applicants seeking to join the agency.
Meanwhile, a panel has begun interviewing candidates for the next BFP chief.
“Ngayong umaga, meron kaming panel dito para sa susunod na BFP. Titingnan namin lahat ng kanilang financial records, kanilang performance records, at nakita namin itong dalawang (interview) namin ay pinaka-promising na magiging bagong mga BFP chief (This morning we have a panel for the next BFP chief. We looked at their financial and performance records, and we saw two promising candidates),” Remulla said. (PNA)
