Manila: Around 10,000 fire safety inspectors of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will be investigated over an alleged kickback scheme involving overpriced fire safety equipment, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Tuesday. Speaking to Palace reporters, Remulla stated that a special task force has been formed to address reported irregularities within the BFP, noting that '100 percent of all fire safety inspectors' will be subject to scrutiny.
According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla mentioned that the DILG has procured approximately 14,000 body cameras, which will be issued to fire inspectors nationwide to ensure transparency during inspections. Under the new system, inspectors will follow a standard script, conduct inspections while wearing body cameras, and immediately issue fire safety certificates if no violations are found, with digital copies to follow.
Remulla explained that all activities will be recorded on body cameras. During inspections, inspectors will state their observations, and if no violations are detected, certificates must be issued immediately, with digital copies to follow promptly to avoid delays. He emphasized that inspectors must properly explain any defects they find with equipment but are prohibited from recommending specific purchases.
The DILG has initiated a formal investigation targeting former members of bids and awards committees, personnel from the Quezon City Fire Department, BFP National Capital Region, and the general leadership of the bureau. Remulla clarified that fire code fees collected by local government units are remitted to the National Treasury and placed in a trust fund for the BFP, stating that the fees do not remain with local government units.
The investigation was sparked by complaints and reports alleging that BFP personnel were requiring building owners and business operators to purchase fire safety equipment from specific suppliers at inflated prices in exchange for the issuance of fire safety inspection certificates. Fire safety inspection certificates are mandatory under the Fire Code of the Philippines for businesses and buildings as a requirement for securing or renewing business permits.
