EX-BFP CHIEF FACES CHARGES OVER ALLEGED P485.6M AMBULANCE KICKBACK SCHEME

Former Bureau of Fire Protection chief Jesus Fernandez has been dismissed from government service and charged with graft and bribery in connection with the procurement of 132 ambulances worth P485.6 million, according to the Office of the Ombudsman.

In a statement released Thursday, the Ombudsman said Fernandez is facing two counts each of indirect bribery and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act before the Sandiganbayan.

The cases stem from allegations that Fernandez received a total of P14.752 million from Rosaverna Sangga, the designated representative of the joint venture that won the contract for the Type 1 Basic Life Support ambulances.

The Ombudsman alleged that Sangga delivered P10.752 million to Fernandez on November 21, 2024, and another P4 million on September 25, 2025.

Fernandez was serving as BFP chief and chairperson of the agency’s Bids and Awards Committee when the alleged payments were made. The Ombudsman also identified him as head of the procuring entity when he allegedly received the second payment.

Apart from the criminal charges, Fernandez was found administratively liable for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. The ruling carries dismissal, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from government employment.

Sangga, meanwhile, was separately charged with two counts of corruption of public officials under Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code.

The Ombudsman’s action followed a complaint filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government after a fact-finding investigation.