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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BFP chief charged over alleged P14.7 M bribe in ambulance procurement

BFP chief charged over alleged P14.7 M bribe in ambulance procurement

Published Mar 5, 2026 12:50 pm
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The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) began walking its talk on corruption-related cleansing in its ranks after it filed administrative and criminal cases against the head of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) over an alleged ₱14.752-million bribery scheme in the procurement of ambulances.
DILG Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla said the case against BFP director Jesus Fernandez stemmed from a thorough investigation into the procurement process of equipment that was supposed to boost the agency’s emergency medical response capability.
The complaints were filed before the Office of the Ombudsman and include grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. Criminal complaints include 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.
The cases are related to the procurement of 132 units of Type 1 Basic Life Support ambulances and Remulla said other government officials and private individuals connected to the transaction have also been implicated as the investigation continues.
“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,” said Remulla.
In the complaint it filed, the DILG also asked the Ombudsman to place Fernandez under preventive suspension to protect the integrity of the proceedings.
The root cause
The procurement of ambulances was in September 2024 and the DILG said there was an alleged manipulation to favor a pre-selected supplier.
Based on the probe, the supplier allegedly entered into a joint venture with an automotive company in October 2024 solely to qualify for bidding requirements.
“Investigators believe the arrangement served as a legal front to secure control of the project,” a statement from the DILG read.
The DILG then accused Fernandez of receiving ₱6 million in a suitcase and another ₱4.752 million in a bag during a meeting in Quezon City in November 2024.
Fernandez serves as the chairperson of the BFP Bids and Awards Committee.
In September 2025, he allegedly received an additional ₱4 million in cash during a separate meeting, for a total documented payoffs amount to ₱14.752 million.
Remulla said the complaints are supported by a sworn testimony from the supplier’s representative detailing how the payments were computed and delivered, as well as an affidavit from the automotive company’s manager describing how the joint venture arrangement was used to secure the contract.
More to come
Remulla has been very vocal against alleged corruption in the BFP, particularly on the modus victimizing small businessmen in relation to fire safety inspection and fire extinguishers.
“This is just part one,” said Remulla, referring to the case filed against Fernandez.
“We have been developing cases relating to bid-rigging in the procurement of fire trucks,” he stressed.
Remulla said the investigation into the alleged firetruck procurement bid-rigging stemmed from an alleged P1.5 million bribe per fire truck.
Culture of corruption
He said the filing of the case demonstrates the DILG’s firm stance against corruption within the ranks of public service, “There is no room in government for anyone who treats public funds as personal profit.”
“This culture of corruption has to stop. The institution, the institutionalization of corruption must come to an end. I believe it has to start from the top,” said Remulla, referring to Fernandez.
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