NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Remulla To File Ombudsman Case Against BFP Chief Fernandez Over Alleged Fund Misuse
Photo courtesy from Kapihan sa Manila Bay with Marichu Villanueva
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said he is preparing to file administrative and criminal complaints against Bureau of Fire Protection head Jesus Fernandez over allegations of long-running corruption inside the fire bureau.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday, Remulla said he will personally submit the complaints to the Office of the Ombudsman, led by his brother, Jesus Crispin Remulla. He emphasized that his duty as Interior Secretary requires him to hold accountable all officials under his supervision.
According to Remulla, the case involves “millions of pesos” allegedly lost to corruption within the Bureau of Fire Protection. “I will file grave misconduct and corruption charges,” he said, adding that additional cases will follow against roughly 50 other BFP officials linked to alleged bid-rigging in fire truck procurements from 2021 to 2025.
He also vowed to act on complaints against BFP inspectors accused of harassing business owners — including reports that some establishments were pressured to purchase “overpriced” fire extinguishers in exchange for fire safety clearances.
The Interior chief has repeatedly flagged corruption issues within the bureau. Last year, he described the BFP as the most corrupt agency under his department, claiming that illegal schemes had generated billions of pesos for erring personnel before he assumed office.
Remulla said the planned charges are part of a broader effort to clean up the agencies under the Department of the Interior and Local Government, including ongoing reforms within police oversight and public safety institutions.
The DILG is expected to release additional details once the cases against Fernandez and the other officials are formally filed with the Ombudsma
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday, Remulla said he will personally submit the complaints to the Office of the Ombudsman, led by his brother, Jesus Crispin Remulla. He emphasized that his duty as Interior Secretary requires him to hold accountable all officials under his supervision.
According to Remulla, the case involves “millions of pesos” allegedly lost to corruption within the Bureau of Fire Protection. “I will file grave misconduct and corruption charges,” he said, adding that additional cases will follow against roughly 50 other BFP officials linked to alleged bid-rigging in fire truck procurements from 2021 to 2025.
He also vowed to act on complaints against BFP inspectors accused of harassing business owners — including reports that some establishments were pressured to purchase “overpriced” fire extinguishers in exchange for fire safety clearances.
The Interior chief has repeatedly flagged corruption issues within the bureau. Last year, he described the BFP as the most corrupt agency under his department, claiming that illegal schemes had generated billions of pesos for erring personnel before he assumed office.
Remulla said the planned charges are part of a broader effort to clean up the agencies under the Department of the Interior and Local Government, including ongoing reforms within police oversight and public safety institutions.
The DILG is expected to release additional details once the cases against Fernandez and the other officials are formally filed with the Ombudsma
Mar 4, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
