DILG charges BFP chief over P14-M ‘kickbacks’
The DILG has filed a criminal complaint against BFP chief Jesus Fernandez for allegedly receiving P14.7 million in kickbacks from a manipulated bidding process for 132 ambulances.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) filed criminal and administrative complaints against Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Chief Fire Director Jesus Fernandez on March 5, 2026. The charges stem from Fernandez allegedly receiving approximately P14.7 million in kickbacks related to a manipulated bidding process for 132 ambulances in 2024. According to the complaint, Fernandez, as chair of the BFP's Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), rigged the bidding to favor a supplier, Rosa Verna Sangga of Auto Zone Prime Distributors Inc., who formed a joint venture to qualify for the contract.
The kickback scheme involved payments totaling P14.752 million made in installments. The first payment of P6 million and P4.752 million was allegedly delivered in a suitcase and bag at a Quezon City restaurant in November 2024, followed by an additional P4 million payment in September 2025. These allegations are based on eyewitness testimony and an affidavit from the joint venture's automotive company manager who claimed to have personally delivered the money.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla described this case as part of a broader "culture of corruption" within the BFP, revealing that the agency has been involved in various corrupt schemes that could generate up to P15 billion annually. The charges filed against Fernandez include direct bribery, malversation of public funds, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019, Section 3e), conspiracy, serious misconduct, and dishonesty. The complaints were filed with the Office of the Ombudsman, with DILG requesting preventive suspension of Fernandez pending investigation.
As of the latest reports, Fernandez has not publicly responded to the allegations. The DILG indicated that this is just one of several corruption cases they plan to file against BFP officials, including additional cases related to bid rigging for fire trucks. The investigation revealed that the corruption extended beyond just the ambulance procurement, suggesting systemic issues within the fire protection agency that require comprehensive reform.
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