MANILA — The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has filed criminal and administrative complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief Fire Director Jesus Fernandez and a private supplier over an alleged P14.752‑million kickback scheme tied to the procurement of 132 ambulances for the agency.
DILG officials announced the filing of the cases on Thursday, accusing Fernandez and the supplier of engaging in a corrupt arrangement during the ambulance procurement process.
The complaints include alleged violations of the Anti‑Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, direct bribery, and malversation of public funds.
DILG assistant secretary for local government Atty. Jesi Howard Lanete said the alleged illicit payments were documented and traced to the ambulance deal.
“Today we filed against BFP chief Fernandez and the supplier cases of violation of Section 3e Republic Act No. 3019, otherwise known as the Anti‑Corrupt 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,” Lanete said.
“We likewise file the case of malversation of public funds for the criminal diversion and mismanagement pertaining to these 132 ambulances,” he added.
The DILG also asked the Ombudsman to place Fernandez under preventive suspension while the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities identified the supplier involved as Rosa Verna Sangga of Auto Zone Prime Distributors Inc. As of posting time, both Fernandez and the company have yet to issue a statement despite requests for comment.
According to DILG assistant secretary for legal and legislative affairs Atty. Brian Mey Tomas, the alleged scheme began in September 2024 when the BFP initiated the procurement process for the ambulances.
Tomas said the supplier allegedly coordinated with an automotive company to form a joint venture that would allow them to qualify for the bidding process. The supplier reportedly represented the automotive firm and eventually secured the contract.
“In November 2024, wherein the supplier met with then [Bids and Awards Committee] chairperson, Jesus Fernandez, who is now the fire director of the BFP, at a Quezon City restaurant where he was seen receiving the list of or the breakdown of the SOP and received a suitcase and a bag, which contained P6 million and P4.752 million, respectively,” Tomas said.
“And another payout made in September 2025 for P4 million. Total of P14.752 million, this is the supposed SOP money that was received by Fire chief Fernandez,” he added./PN
