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. The bribery scheme is valued at P14.752 million, according to the complaint submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that public funds for emergency response will not be allowed to fuel corruption.
The DILG's complaint accuses Fernandez of involvement in the procurement process for Type 1 Basic Life Support ambulances starting in September 2024, when the bidding was allegedly manipulated to favor a specific supplier. The supplier formed a joint venture with an automotive firm in October 2024 to bypass bidding requirements and secure the multi-million peso contract.
In November 2024, while serving as chair of the BFP Bids and Awards Committee, Fernandez allegedly received P6 million in a suitcase and an additional P4.752 million in a bag during a meeting in Quezon City. A final cash payment of P4 million was handed over in September 2025, totaling the alleged bribe at P14.752 million.
Administrative charges against Fernandez include grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. Criminal complaints encompass violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, 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 are also named in the complaint. The DILG has requested the Ombudsman to place Fernandez under preventive suspension to safeguard the integrity of the proceedings. The complaint is backed by an affidavit from the automotive firm's manager and a confession from the supplier's representative, who detailed the 'SOP' or standard operating procedure for calculating bribe amounts.
"Ambulances are meant to save lives. Public funds intended for emergency response will never be allowed to become vehicles for corruption," Remulla said in a statement. "We will pursue the truth and ensure full accountability," he added.
