BFP chief faces raps over P14.7-M ambulance bribery scheme
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has filed administrative and criminal complaints against Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief Jesus Fernandez over the alleged anomalous procurement of 132 ambulances for the agency.
The complaint, filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, accuses Fernandez of involvement in a P14.752-million bribery scheme tied to the purchase of Type 1 Basic Life Support ambulances.
"Ambulances are meant to save lives. Public funds intended for emergency response will never be allowed to become vehicles for corruption," Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a statement.
"We will pursue the truth and ensure full accountability," he added.
Administrative charges against Fernandez 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, as well as direct bribery, malversation of public funds, and conspiracy.
Other government officials and private individuals involved in the transaction were also included in the complaint, the DILG said.
The agency has also asked the Ombudsman to place Fernandez under preventive suspension to "protect the integrity of the proceedings."
Alleged bid manipulation
The alleged scheme dates back to September 2024, when the procurement process for the ambulances was supposedly manipulated to favor a particular supplier.
Investigators said the supplier later formed a joint venture with an automotive firm in October 2024, allegedly to bypass bidding requirements and create a "legal front" to secure the multi-million peso contract.
The complaint also cites records and sworn testimonies detailing alleged payoff meetings.
In November 2024, Fernandez — then serving as chair of the BFP Bids and Awards Committee — allegedly received P6 million in a suitcase and another P4.752 million in a bag during a meeting in Quezon City.
Investigators said a final payment of P4 million in cash was handed over in September 2025, bringing the total alleged payoff to P14.752 million.
The complaint is supported by an affidavit from the automotive firm's manager and a confession from the supplier's representative, who reportedly detailed the "SOP" or standard operating procedure used to calculate the bribe amounts, according to the DILG.
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