Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) filed a complaint on Thursday with the Office of the Ombudsman against Bureau of Fire Protection Chief Fire Director Jesus Fernandez over alleged corruption involving procurement contracts.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed the filing in a press briefing in Quezon City. He alleged that Fernandez received P14 million in kickbacks and manipulated the bidding process for ambulances purchased by the BFP.
The secretary said that under Fernandez, the bureau had a system of requiring business owners to buy fire extinguishers from suppliers linked to fire inspectors. Additional fees were reportedly charged for complete firefighting services, and payments were demanded from applicants entering the agency.
Remulla said Fernandez allegedly sent an emissary to a close associate offering P1.5 million in kickbacks for each fire truck sold to the bureau.
The Inquirer has requested comment from Fernandez multiple times, but he has not responded to the allegations.
The DILG said the complaint aims to ensure accountability and strengthen transparency within the Bureau of Fire Protection.
The BFP previously expressed support for the DILG’s anti-corruption measures, describing the initiative as an effort to address “hard truths” within the bureau.
The Office of the Ombudsman will review the complaint, and investigators will examine the alleged irregularities in procurement and internal operations of the BFP.