The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has filed graft, bribery, malversation, and conspiracy charges against Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Chief Gen. Jesus Fernandez and others in connection with an alleged ambulance kickback scheme.
“Today, we filed against BFP Fire Chief Fernandez and the supplier cases of violation of Section 3a of Republic Act No. 3019, otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Together with that, we filed a case of direct bribery, for the acceptance of ₱14.752 million in documented illicit payments made from the supplier to Fernandez,” Assistant Secretary Atty. Jesi Howard Lanete said during a press conference on Thursday.
“We likewise filed a case of malversation of public funds for the criminal diversion and mismanagement pertaining to these 132 ambulances. If filed with the Sandiganbayan, these cases are non-bailable, as a matter of right. The supplier and all BFP officials and employees involved are impleaded in this case and will be identified as soon as the DILG’s investigation finishes,”
The agency recounted the mechanisms of the unit procurement scheme, which began in September 2024.
A predetermined supplier approached an automotive company to enter into a joint venture, in order to participate in the bidding process. The supplier placed a bid on the company’s behalf for the procurement contract, which they were awarded.
According to Assistant Secretary Brian Mey Tomas, the total payout of ₱14.752 million was made to Fernandez in exchange for a contract favor. The bribe was given on two separate occasions—the first in November 2024, and the second in September 2025.
Based on credible witness’ testimony, the supplier met with Fernandez—who was then the chairperson of the Bids and Awards Committee—in a Quezon City restaurant. Fernandez was seen receiving a suitcase and a bag containing ₱6 million and ₱4.752 million respectively, in the first payout.
For the second, the two once again met in another restaurant in Quezon City, where Fernandez was handed luggage containing ₱4 million.
The witness who gave the account had prepared the computation of the amount given, witnessed meetings and cash handovers, and confirmed packing bags of money for Fernandez.
Likewise, an affidavit was put forth by the manager of the automotive company. It detailed the supplier’s scheme to secure the procurement contract using their company.
The cases, filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, were administrative and criminal in nature, said the agency. More cases will be filed in the coming days or weeks, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said, over bid-rigging for the procurement of firetrucks.
