Business · Philippines Bureau
Ex-BFP chief denies graft charges linked to multimillion-peso bribe
Former Bureau of Fire Protection chief Jesus Fernandez has entered a not guilty plea to graft charges at the Sandiganbayan. The case centers on allegations involving millions of pesos in bribes connected to official transactions.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Jesus Fernandez, the former head of the Bureau of Fire Protection, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to graft charges before the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court. The plea addresses one of two separate graft cases currently pending against him.
Fernandez faces multiple counts of graft and indirect bribery, charges that also implicate Rosaverna Sangga. Prosecutors allege the cases stem from a P14.752-million bribe connected to official dealings within the fire protection agency.
The Sandiganbayan, which specializes in high-level corruption cases, is handling both complaints filed against the former official. The proceedings mark a significant development in an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities within the BFP's operations.
Fernandez's legal team contested the charges as the case moves forward through the court system. No additional details regarding the second graft case or timeline for further hearings were immediately disclosed.