Manila:<Text>

Interior Secretary Juanito Victor 'Jonvic' Remulla on Wednesday announced his intention to file corruption charges against Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief Director Jesus Fernandez. Remulla stated that he will personally submit the complaints for grave misconduct and violations of the Anti-Graft Law on Thursday to the Office of the Ombudsman.

According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla disclosed this plan during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum. He emphasized his determination to expose what he described as the misappropriation of hundreds of millions by Fernandez and his organization. Remulla indicated that this complaint is the first in a series aimed at fortifying institutional integrity under his leadership.

Furthermore, Remulla revealed plans to charge 50 additional individuals in connection with alleged bid-rigging activities related to fire truck procurements from 2021 to 2025. He characterized these actions as a deliberate attempt to establish a syndicate benefiting from fire truck purchases in the Philippines.

The complaints are set to extend to inspectors accused of misconduct, including selling fire extinguishers and allegedly harassing business owners for personal gain. Remulla previously described the alleged corruption within the BFP as deeply rooted and pervasive.