MANILA – The Office of the Ombudsman has filed criminal charges before the Sandiganbayan against former Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Fire Director Jesus P. Fernandez and a private individual over the procurement of 132 ambulances valued at PHP485 million.

The Ombudsman said that its investigation established prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction against Fernandez for two counts each of indirect bribery and violation of Section 3(b) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) following a fact-finding investigation conducted by Task Force BFP Accountability.

The investigation covered the purchase of 132 Type 1 Basic Life Support ambulances. The procurement contract was awarded to Toyota Mabolo, which partnered with Autozone Prime Distributors Inc. through a joint venture for the project.

Also charged was Rosaverna P. Sangga, the joint venture’s designated representative, who is also known as Rosaverna Palairon Sangga. She faces two counts of Corruption of Public Officials under Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code.

According to the Ombudsman, Fernandez was serving as chairperson of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) when he allegedly received a total of PHP14.75 million from Sangga.

The procurement also resulted in a separate administrative case against Fernandez. The Ombudsman found him guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The administrative ruling imposes dismissal from government service, along with cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification from future government employment.

The Ombudsman said Fernandez’s acceptance of the money was inconsistent with the duties attached to his position as BFP chief and BAC chairperson, particularly given his role in the procurement process.

“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 said.

SOP is slang term for kickback or commission.

The ruling also emphasized that accepting money or other consideration connected to a government official’s position could compromise public confidence in the integrity of the office and its transactions.

“receiving any gift, compensation, promise, or consideration from any individual in relation to his position gives the appearance of impropriety, which does not only bring doubt to his credibility but significantly tarnishes the credibility of the agency that he leads, in this case, especially in the process of procurement.”