Manila: The Office of the Ombudsman has initiated criminal proceedings against former Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Fire Director Jesus P. Fernandez and a private individual, in connection with the procurement of 132 ambulances valued at PHP485 million.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Ombudsman announced the filing of charges before the Sandiganbayan, citing prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction. Fernandez faces two counts of indirect bribery and two counts of violating Section 3(b) of Republic Act 3019, known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. This legal action follows a complaint from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), prompted by a fact-finding investigation by Task Force BFP Accountability regarding the ambulance procurement.

The contract was awarded to Toyota Mabolo, which collaborated with Autozone Prime Distributors Inc. for the project. Rosaverna P. Sangga, the joint venture's designated representative, also known as Rosaverna Palairon Sangga, faces two counts of Corruption of Public Officials under Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code.

The Ombudsman's findings indicate that Fernandez, serving as the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) chairperson, allegedly accepted PHP14.75 million from Sangga. In a related administrative case, Fernandez was found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and grave misconduct, leading to his dismissal from service and other penalties, including cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from reemployment in government service.

The administrative ruling highlighted that Fernandez's acceptance of the money conflicted with his duties as BFP chief and BAC chairperson, compromising the integrity expected of his position. "He is not merely an officer of the BFP. He is the Fire Chief of the agency. He was the BAC Chairman when he received the SOP on 21 November 2024 and the Head of the Procuring Entity when he received the second SOP on 25 September 2025," the ruling stated, noting that SOP is a slang term for kickback or commission.

The decision emphasized that accepting any gift, compensation, promise, or consideration in connection with his role casts doubt on his credibility and significantly tarnishes the agency's reputation, particularly concerning procurement processes.