ALLEGED BID-RIGGING IN BFP FIRETRUCK PURCHASES COSTS P2.1B

At least 45 current and former Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officials are facing graft charges over alleged rigging in firetruck procurement from 2018 to 2024, resulting in an estimated P2.1 billion in losses.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said cases will be filed with the Office of the Ombudsman, including against former BFP chiefs Leonardo Banago, Louie Puracan, and suspended head Jesus Fernandez.

Investigations revealed that technical specifications were allegedly tailored to favor two private suppliers, causing the cost of firetrucks to jump from around P6 million to P15 million per unit.

The officials and suppliers face both administrative and criminal charges, including grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Remulla said the anomalies were uncovered after an aide of a BFP official offered him a cut per firetruck, prompting a full investigation that exposed widespread corruption within the agency.

Source: PhilNews24 | March 20, 2026