Crime

BFP Chief Fernandez Faces Criminal Charges Over P14.7M Ambulance Kickback Scheme

Tabloid PH Newsdesk

Mar 5, 2026 — 1 min read

Photo: GMA News

Bureau of Fire Protection chief Fire Director Jesus Fernandez is now facing criminal and administrative charges at the Office of the Ombudsman over an alleged P14.752 million kickback scheme involving ambulance procurement. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) filed the cases on Thursday, marking another high-profile corruption crackdown under the current administration.

According to DILG assistant secretary Jesi Howard Lanete, the charges include violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, direct bribery, and malversation of public funds. The case involves the procurement of 132 ambulances for the BFP starting in September 2024, where a predetermined supplier allegedly rigged the bidding process through a fake joint venture.

The DILG detailed a particularly damning allegation: In November 2024, Fernandez — then the Bids and Awards Committee chairperson — was reportedly seen receiving a suitcase containing P6 million and a bag with P4.752 million at a Quezon City restaurant. Another P4 million payout allegedly followed in September 2025, bringing the total to P14.752 million in 'SOP money.'

The implicated supplier was identified as Rosa Verna Sangga of Auto Zone Prime Distributors Inc. The DILG has also asked the Ombudsman to preemptively suspend Fernandez during the investigation. Both Fernandez and Auto Zone have yet to respond to the allegations as of posting time.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla warned this is just "Part 1" — more cases targeting BFP officials are coming, including allegations of bid-rigging in fire truck purchases. Hindi pa tapos ang linis, mukhang marami pang susunod.

Source: GMA News

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