Fire Protection Chief Dismissed, Faces Graft Charges Over Ambulance Deal

The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed Bureau of Fire Protection chief Jesus Fernandez and initiated graft proceedings against him at the Sandiganbayan, the country's anti-graft court. The case emerged from an investigation into irregularities surrounding the procurement of 132 ambulances valued at ₱485 million.

Fernandez was charged alongside a private individual in connection with the ambulance acquisition, which the Ombudsman determined involved violations of procurement rules and regulations. The anti-graft body's decision to pursue the case at the Sandiganbayan indicates prosecutors found sufficient evidence to warrant trial before the specialized court that handles corruption matters.

The removal of the BFP chief marks a significant enforcement action by the Ombudsman's office in its ongoing campaign against public sector corruption. The case underscores continued scrutiny of government procurement processes, particularly large-scale contracts involving public health and emergency services assets.

The Sandiganbayan will now determine whether sufficient grounds exist for conviction on the graft charges. The outcome could set precedent for future cases involving irregular government procurement transactions.