Graft trial of ex-BFP chief Fernandez begins, number of witnesses cut

MANILA, Philippines — The graft trial of former Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief Jesus Fernandez before the Sandiganbayan Third Division began on Wednesday.

The prosecution further trimmed its number of witnesses to six.

Fernandez’s case stemmed from an alleged P4 million bribe made to him which he purportedly received in connection with the BFP’s procurement of 132 ambulances worth P485 million last year.

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For this trial, the prosecution was supposed to present Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Romeo Benitez.

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According to the prosecution, the DILG filed the complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against Fernandez, and Benitez was the “nominal” complainant there.

Fernandez’s lawyers and the prosecution stipulated or agreed to the fact that it was Benitez who filed the complaint.

With the stipulation of both parties, the testimony of Benitez has been dispensed with.

“Prosecution was scheduled to present Undersecretary Benitez of the DILG, but the parties informed the court that they have stipulated on the testimonies of Undersecretary Benitez,” Associate Justice Karl Miranda, Third Division chair, said during the reading of the court order. 

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As for the witnesses, the prosecution said there were initially supposed to present five witnesses, as stated in their pre-trial brief. 

However, they added another witness from the Commission on Audit, bringing their witness total to six.

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In the pretrial proceeding, the prosecution said they were going to present nine witnesses. 

According to the prosecution, they are on track to finish their presentation of evidence by the end of the year. 

Miranda said the next trial date will be on Nov. 12.

READ: Ombudsman orders BFP chief dismissed; graft, bribe raps filed

This P4 million transaction in this case included in the alleged P14.752-million “commitment” that the official purportedly received.

Fernandez allegedly received P10.752 million on Nov. 21, 2024, and another P4 million on Sept. 25, 2025.

Another one of his P10.752 million graft is under the Fourth Division.

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Aside from graft, the former BFP chief also face indirect bribery cases, handled by the Fourth Division (P4 million) and Fifth Division (10.752 million). /apl