Ex-BFP chief pleads not guilty in P4-M bribery case
MANILA, Philippines — Former Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief Jesus Fernandez pleaded not guilty of accepting a P4-million bribe during his arraignment on Friday before the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division.
The P4 million is allegedly part of a “commitment” to Fernandez amounting to P14.752 million from businesswoman Rosaverna Sangga, in connection with the BFP’s procurement last year of 132 ambulances worth P485 million.
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Sangga, who is part of a joint venture the BFP entered into, allegedly handed over P10.752 million to Fernandez on Nov. 21, 2024, and the remaining P4 million on Sept. 25, 2025.
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But she is not listed as a co-accused in Fernandez’s case, according to her lawyer Jhufel Brañanola.
Fernandez faces two counts of graft and indirect bribery over the two amounts allegedly handed over to him.
Trial begins on Oct. 21, with the prosecution expected to present nine witnesses and the defense, four witnesses.
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