How BFP chief allegedly got P14.75-M kickback from ambulance deal

MANILA, Philippines – Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Director Jesus Fernandez is facing administrative and criminal complaints over an alleged P14.752-million bribery scheme tied to the procurement of 132 type 1 basic life support ambulances for the agency.

The complaint was filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) before the Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday, March 4.

The procurement of the ambulances started in September 2024. The bid was won by a joint venture between supplier Rossavina Sangga and Autozone Prime Distributors Incorporated.

According to DILG’s investigation, Sangga met with then-BFP Bids and Awards Committee chairperson Fernandez in a restaurant in Quezon City in November 2024.

Fernandez allegedly received a suitcase and a bag containing P6 million and P4.752 million, respectively.

Almost a year later, in September 2025, Fernandez allegedly met again with the supplier in another restaurant in Quezon City to receive a luggage with P4 million.

In total, DILG estimated that Fernandez received P14.752 million in kickbacks.

The DILG probe was triggered by the testimony of one of the supplier’s employees. The employee allegedly prepared the kickback money and witnessed the meetings and handing of cash between his employer and Fernandez.

The manager of the automotive company, which DILG did not identify, also provided an affidavit detailing the supplier’s scheme to secure the project using their company.

“Ambulances are meant to save lives. Public funds intended for emergency response will never be allowed to become vehicles for corruption,” DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a press briefing on Thursday. “We will pursue the truth and ensure full accountability.”

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.

DILG also asked the Ombudsman to place Fernandez under preventive suspension. Other BFP officials will also soon be named, according to DILG.

Based on Remulla’s estimate, the corruption in the BFP is at P15 billion a year from top to bottom. In the coming weeks, Remulla said that he will expose other corruption schemes in the agency, including the alleged rigged bidding for fire trucks, fire inspection fees, and recruitment. – Rappler.com