Ched Rick Gatchalian

Firefighter-Nurses of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) stand in formation during a send-off ceremony inside the BFP Headquarters in Quezon City on May 18, 2021. The 63 registered nurses underwent various medical response trainings, aside from their standard firefighting and disaster response training, prior their deployment to different hospitals and COVID-19 facilities in Metro Manila starting today. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File

 

Article (news)

Remulla exposes alleged kickbacks, bid rigging in BFP

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768297959540176828503323720210518-bfp-nurses-sendoff-GC-VU2A9381.webp" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Firefighter-nurses of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) stand in formation during a send-off ceremony inside the BFP Headquarters in Quezon City on May 18, 2021. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Firefighter-nurses of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) stand in formation during a send-off ceremony inside the BFP Headquarters in Quezon City on May 18, 2021. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File</span></span></span></div><p style="text-align:left">MANILA — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday revealed what he described as deep-seated and long-running corruption inside the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), involving alleged bribery, collusion with suppliers, and irregular procurement practices worth billions of pesos.</p><p>Remulla disclosed that authorities are currently investigating an alleged under-the-table deal involving a fire inspector and a real estate development along EDSA near the Araneta Complex in Quezon City.</p><p>According to Remulla, the fire inspector allegedly forced developers to purchase fire extinguishers worth around ₱30 million. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/13/dilg-probing-ncrpo-bfp-quezon-city-officials-over-corruption-in-fire-bureau-1426">DILG probing NCRPO, BFP, Quezon City officials over corruption in fire bureau</a></div><p>“‘Yung fire inspector ay nakipag deal sa mga developers na sila ang magsu-supply ng mga fire extinguishers. Ito ay under the table, ito ay walang bidding, ito ay bawal sa mga fire inspectors na makipag deal pero ang lumalabas na ang supplier at ang inspector ay magkamag-anak,” Remulla said.</p><p>The fire extinguishers were reportedly sold at prices up to 200 percent higher than market value.</p><p>Remulla said the arrangement was effectively coercive, as developers could not secure a Certificate of Fire Compliance, a requirement for occupancy permits, unless they agreed to the deal.</p><p>“So sapilitan ‘yan kasi paspasan ‘yan. Nagbebenta ng mga condo, hindi makakalipat ang may-ari, hindi maibigay ang certificate of condominium title kung wala ‘yung fire safety inspection permit ng BFP,” he said.</p><div> </div><div><strong>FIRE TRUCK PROCUREMENT UNDER SCRUTINY </strong></div><p>The DILG chief also confirmed plans to file charges against at least 20 senior BFP officials over alleged bid rigging in the procurement of fire trucks over the past two decades.</p><p>Remulla claimed that bidding requirements were deliberately crafted to favor a small group of suppliers.</p><p>“‘Yung accredited suppliers noong 2010, kailangan meron kayong 10 years experience of doing business in the Philippines. Noong 2020, nung gumawa sila ng bago sa TOR nila, ginawa naman nilang 20 years. So in effect, ‘yung suppliers ng 2010 sila lang ang puwedeng supply sa 2020,” he said.</p><p>“Naging very restrictive ang bidding conditions at naging overpriced ang lahat ng fire trucks kasi in collusion ang BAC (Bids and Awards Committee) at saka ang suppliers,” he added.</p><p>Remulla further alleged that intermediaries approached his associates, offering him kickbacks of ₱1.5 million per fire truck, although he stressed that he was never personally involved in any negotiations.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/11/23/23/bfp-denies-alleged-irregularities-in-fire-truck-bidding">BFP denies alleged irregularities in fire truck bidding, procurement</a></div><div> </div><div><strong>BILLIONS ALLEGEDLY COLLECTED YEARLY</strong></div><p>Remulla estimated that corruption within the BFP could amount to ₱15 billion annually, citing the sheer volume of establishments nationwide that require fire inspection permits — from condominiums and warehouses to small clinics and dental offices.</p><p>“Lahat ‘yan hindi makakakuha ng occupancy permit kung wala silang clearance galing sa BFP at hindi sila bibigyan hanggang bumili sila ng fire extinguisher or sila ang magsu-supply sa sprinkler system habang ginagawa ‘yung building,” he said.</p><p>He added that collusion within the agency may have been happening for at least 20 years, and possibly longer.</p><div> </div><div><strong>ALLEGED PAY-TO-ENTER SCHEME</strong></div><p>The Interior Secretary also revealed reports that aspiring BFP personnel were allegedly required to pay up to ₱500,000 just to be accepted into the service.</p><p>“Ang BFP naging very lucrative. Para makapasok ka diyan, sa buong ecosystem ng corruption ng buong BFP, kasama ka na diyan basta pumasok ka,” he said.</p><p>He added the amount could easily be recovered through illegal collections, making many applicants willing victims.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/03/08/23/bfp-denies-anomalies-in-firetrucks-procurement">BFP denies alleged anomalies in firetrucks procurement</a></div><div> </div><div><strong>OFFICIALS RELIEVED, REFORMS UNDERWAY</strong></div><p>Remulla confirmed that several BFP officials, including inspectors and members of the BAC, particularly in Metro Manila and Quezon City, are being investigated.</p><p>He said he has made a recommendation regarding the relief of the BFP chief, but has yet to personally discuss it with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.</p><p>To curb abuses, the DILG has procured 14,000 body cameras for all BFP inspectors nationwide.</p><p>These cameras will record inspections and stream footage directly to a central database.</p><p>“Pwede namin i-stream sa headquarters kung ano ang pinag-uusapan and right there and then, kung sabihin nila ito may deperensya fire extinguisher niyo, dapat sasabihin nila ‘yun. Kung wala silang makita, dapat ibigay nila kaagad ang recommendation for approval ng kanilang fire occupancy permit,” he said.</p><p>“Ifa-file ko na sa Ombudsman in due time but I want this to stop.”</p>

<p>Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday revealed what he described as deep-seated and long-running corruption inside the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).</p>

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday revealed what he described as deep-seated and long-running corruption inside the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).