Former Bureau of Fire Protection head Jesus Fernandez has officially entered a not guilty plea regarding graft charges brought before the Sandiganbayan. Prosecutors allege that Fernandez, alongside Rosaverna Sangga, accepted bribes totaling over 14 million pesos linked to a 485-million-peso ambulance procurement project in 2025. The specific charge currently being addressed by the court's Second Division concerns a 10.752-million-peso payment allegedly received in late 2024. Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg has scheduled the pretrial proceedings for September 29, with both the prosecution and defense granted two weeks to prepare their respective evidence. Fernandez declined to provide any statements to the media following his court appearance.
Source : Philippine Daily Inquirer
Photo : Philippine Daily Inquirer
