Remulla warns: Corrupt BFP personnel to be fired 'on the spot'
By Chito Chavez

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito “Jonvic’’ Remulla vowed on Friday, Feb. 7, to dismiss “on the spot’’ all fire personnel involved in any form of corrupt acts, such as selling fire extinguishers to entrepreneurs securing fire safety clearances for their business.
This, as he stressed that BFP Memorandum Circular (MC) 2016-016 strictly prohibits Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel from engaging in the selling of fire extinguishers and endorsing of manufacturers, dealers, or suppliers of fire fighting equipment.
“Bawal magbenta ng fire extinguisher ang mga fire marshall at kung may ganoon i-report n’yo kaagad sa akin (The fire marshall is prohibited from selling fire extinguishers and if there is any, report to me immediately),’’ Remulla assured.
During his time as Cavite governor, Remulla castigated fire personnel engaged in unlawful acts including endorsing contractors for fire sprinklers.
"Galit na galit ako doon. Kalokohan ‘yan e. Bakit mo papahirapan ang negosyo? Nagbibigay ng trabaho ‘yan tapos gusto mo pagkakitaan lang (I am furious about that. That is nonsense. Why will you make it difficult for the businesses? They are providing jobs and you want to earn from them)," he added.
On Feb. 5, Remulla met the local chief executives (LCE) in Cebu and told them to urge business owners to file complaints against erring BFP personnel who dabble in such illegal activities and delay the issuance of fire clearances.
Under Republic Act No. 11032 otherwise known as “The Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law,’’ the BFP shall issue the Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance (FSEC) and Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) to businesses within seven working days.
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. called on all government instrumentalities to ensure the streamlining of the delivery of government services.