The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reportedly collects as much as ₱15 billion a year from businesses across the Philippines, a figure that DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla described as “more corrupt than the PNP” during a recent interview on Dos Por Dos.
Remulla alleged that the BFP exploits business owners by imposing inflated fees for fire safety compliance, often requiring them to purchase specific equipment from designated suppliers.
He cited one Quezon City building where the fire department charged ₱30 million for fire extinguishers and an additional ₱70 million for a complete sprinkler system, despite these items being available at standard market prices.
“Aabot mga 500,000 [na] negosyo, small, medium-scale ang tinatamaan ng gusto dito. Hardware dyan, beauty salon dito, lahat yan, law office dyan. Para may occupancy permit kayo, papasok ang inspector. ‘Ay, defective na ang fire-extinguisher. Kailangan palitan nyo na. Pero kailangan gantong klase. Bibili kayo dito,’” Remulla explained.
“Ang presyo nila times two, times three. [Kumpara] kung bibili ka sa SM. Tapos hindi nila ibigay ang occupancy permit, yung fire hazard permit kung hindi ka kukuha sa kanila,” he said, further emphasizing the gravity of alleged corruption within the agency.
The DILG chief also criticized the agency’s leadership, claiming bid-rigging for fire trucks and other equipment.
He recounted an incident last December where a fire truck was offered to him at ₱1.5 million above market value through a friend.
“Mas corrupt pa ang BFP kaysa PNP. Ang PNP, tumigil lang sa drugs ‘yan. Lahat yan, hindi na sumasangkot ‘yan. Wala nang EJK, wala nang gun for hire. Ito, kawalangyaan talaga ang ginagawa ng BFP. Naaawa ako sa mga negosyante.”
While only the President has the authority to remove a fire chief, Remulla said he has already submitted recommendations for disciplinary action and charges against allegedly corrupt officials within the agency.
He added that the DILG is preparing cases against top BFP officials, targeting approximately 20 senior personnel—including inspectors involved in corrupt practices—for relief as early as next week.
To prevent further abuse, the DILG plans to implement a body camera system for fire inspectors. The technology will monitor inspections in real time, ensuring transparency in reporting violations and immediate issuance of permits.
The system has already been procured, with training underway in Cebu, Mindanao, and Metro Manila, and is expected to take effect next week.
Remulla stressed that the BFP’s corruption particularly harms the middle class and legitimate business operators.
“Itong BFP kasi walang sumisilip sa kanila. Ang pineperwisyo nila, yung middle class, yung mga naghahanapbuhay, yung mga yan naman para matapos lang, sige bayad na lang ako para walang perwisyo, wala naman kaso sa kanila.”
