Ex-BFP chief pleads not guilty to graft over alleged P10-M bribe
MANILA, Philippines — Former Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief Jesus Fernandez on Tuesday pleaded not guilty in one of the two graft cases against him pending before the Sandiganbayan.
According to prosecutors, the two counts each of graft and indirect bribery cases against Fernandez and Rosaverna Sangga stemmed from the P14.752-million bribe that the official allegedly received, in connection with the BFP’s procurement of 132 ambulances worth P485 million in 2025.
READ: Ombudsman orders BFP chief dismissed; graft, bribe raps filed
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The money was allegedly delivered on two occasions, with Sangga handing over P10.752 million to Fernandez on Nov. 21, 2024, and another P4 million on Sept. 25, 2025.
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The Sandiganbayan’s Second Division is handling the one count of graft involving the P10.752 million transaction, and the information containing this formal charge was read to Fernandez.
Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg, the Second Division chair, asked: “What is your plea?”
“Not guilty, your honor.”
Econg also said the court is eyeing to give the prosecution and the defense “two weeks” each to present their evidence.
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The court set the pretrial of Fernandez’s case on Sept. 29.
Reporters asked Fernandez for comment but he did not grant a media interview. /das
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