Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday said he will file charges of grave misconduct and graft and corruption against Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief Fire Director Jesus Fernandez on March 5, 2026, over alleged large-scale irregularities within the agency.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Remulla described the issue as a major controversy involving the Bureau of Fire Protection.
“The big issue is the BFP. Tomorrow, I will file charges against Gen. Fernandez for a clear case of grave misconduct, graft and corruption. I will lay down the predicate of how he stole hundreds of millions from the people, straight to his pocket and straight to his organization,” Remulla stated.
He added that around 50 other individuals are also set to face charges for their alleged involvement in bid-rigging activities within the BFP from 2021 to 2025.
“The day after, we will file cases against another 50 individuals for bid-rigging in the entire BFP spanning from 2021 to 2025. It will show a malicious attempt to create a syndicate to profit from the purchase of fire trucks in the Philippines.
We’re filing cases against Inspectors who sell fire extinguishers who harassed every single business owner in the country para kumita sila,” Remulla added.
According to Remulla, the complaints will outline what he described as a coordinated effort to manipulate procurement processes, particularly in the acquisition of fire trucks and fire safety equipment, for personal gain.