DILG probes over 200 BFP officials in sweeping crackdown on ‘slot-for-sale’ scheme The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is investigating over 200 officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) as part of a sweeping crackdown on the alleged “slot-for-sale” scheme in the bureau’s recruitment process, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced on Friday. Speaking at a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Remulla said the investigation forms part of the DILG’s continuing efforts to strengthen accountability and good governance within its ranks, warning that officials found involved in corruption will be held accountable. “I am warning you: I am serious. Hindi ako titigil hangga’t hindi makukulong lahat na rotten personnel sa BFP,” he said. This comes days after a female BFP Senior Fire Officer 1 was arrested in Pampanga on August 24 after a BFP applicant reported her to authorities for the alleged extortion of P300,000. Remulla commended the applicant for his bravery in reporting the alleged scheme. The arrested BFP official is now at the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and is facing charges for robbery, extortion, and violation of Republic Act (RA) 10175. Earlier this year, Remulla announced that cases were filed against 11 BFP officials for the same slot-for-sale scheme. He vowed to end the ₱15-billion-a-year corruption in the BFP within six months, as the DILG moves to dismantle what he described as a 25-year nationwide corruption web where applicants allegedly pay P100,000 to P800,000 just to be admitted into the organization. “My number 1 goal is to clean and strengthen the DILG institution (including) the PNP, BFP and BJMP. I will not leave as SILG until I clean this up,” Remulla said. According to Remulla, some 23,344 applicants compete for the limited 2,504 available positions in this year’s BFP recruitment quota. “Napakaraming qualified, limited ang slots. Sa decision kung sino ang papasok ang nagkakaroon ng korapsyon,” Remulla added. He said the BFP Region 4A Assistant Regional Director is also involved in the Pampanga scheme. The official has been relieved while the investigation is ongoing. All BFP Regional Directors have likewise been placed under investigation as part of the DILG’s massive purge of the organization, underscoring the Department’s resolve to ensure that accountability applies at all levels. Beyond holding erring personnel accountable, the DILG is also instituting reforms aimed at closing opportunities for corruption in the recruitment process. Remulla commended BFP Officer-in-Charge Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Ang Kwan Tiu for the progress in enforcing BFP reforms in just three months since he assumed the bureau’s top post. According to Kwan Tiu, the BFP is now implementing an e-hiring online system whereby applicants are designated only by a number or code throughout the recruitment process, eradicating the chances of corruption. The names of applicants who make it to the annual BFP quota are system-generated and revealed only at the end of the recruitment process. “We are trying our best to institute the reforms of the Secretary in the BFP. With the new system we have, we are confident na wala ng ganoong slot-for-sale scheme,” Kwan Tiu said. The DILG said the continuing investigation and recruitment reforms reflect its commitment to ensuring that entry into the BFP is based on merit and qualification, and that public service positions are never treated as commodities for sale.

Remulla vows efficient spending of proposed DILG P332.5B budget for safer communities, stronger LGUs Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday presented the Department’s proposed P332.5-billion budget for 2027 before the House of Representatives, vowing to ensure that public funds translate into efficient and meaningful services for Filipinos. Remulla said the proposed budget supports the DILG’s priority programs and projects aimed at empowering local government units (LGUs), keeping communities safe, and strengthening emergency response. “As we present the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Proposal of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, we ensure that every peso entrusted to the government translates into meaningful public service,” he said. Under the proposal, the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the DILG’s attached agencies for the uniformed services, received the three highest proposed allocations for 2027. The PNP’s proposed P242.5-billion budget, a 7 percent increase from the previous year, will support efforts to strengthen its ranks, intensify police operations, and construct new facilities. The BFP will likewise accelerate efforts in fire prevention, suppression, and emergency response, while the BJMP will recruit additional personnel to reinforce its operational capability, intensify efforts against illegal drugs in jails, and construct new jail facilities. The DILG also underscored the continued strengthening of the Unified 911 System through the acquisition of additional assets and expansion of access to emergency services, with the goal of accommodating more calls, reducing prank calls, and improving emergency response time. Remulla said the DILG will continue working with Congress and the other branches of government to advance effective governance and deliver public service that Filipinos can feel and benefit from. “Makakaasa po kayo na kami ay patuloy na magiging katuwang ng lahat ng sangay ng pamahalaan, hindi lamang ng Pangulo at ehekutibo, kundi maging ng lehislatura at hudikatura sa pagsusulong ng tapat at mahusay na pamamahala, sa pagpapanatili ng ligtas at mapayapang pamahalaan at paghahatid ng serbisyo publikong tunay na mararamdaman at mapapakinabangan ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.

DILG Calls for Wider Adoption of Sexual Assault Investigation Kits for Child Survivors To help ensure that critical evidence supports the pursuit of truth and justice for victim-survivors, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged local government units (LGUs) to adopt the use of Sexual Assault Investigation Kits (SAI.Kit) in aid of investigations involving child sexual assault cases in the country. The initiative fulfills the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen child protection efforts and recovery interventions for Filipino youth who are victims of abuse. Through Memorandum Circular No. 2026-035, the Department urged LGUs to invest in the SAI.Kit, a tool developed by the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) DNA Analysis Laboratory of the Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI) to help address sexual assault incidents through forensic science and technology. Launched in May 2026, the SAI.Kit provides a more comprehensive, secure, and accountable system for the collection, handling, documentation, and preservation of DNA samples and other critical biological evidence from child victim-survivors of sexual violence. The DILG said the kit is intended to support healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and other duty-bearers in preserving the integrity of evidence for investigative and judicial proceedings, while upholding the rights, welfare, dignity, and privacy of victim-survivors. As frontline responders to violence against women and children (VAWC) incidents, LGUs are urged to invest in the SAI.Kit and integrate it into their respective local plans, programs, and budgets to institutionalize its use at the local level. The Department also emphasized that the adoption of the SAI.Kit supplements the operations of Barangay Violence Against Women (VAW) Desks, which serve as immediate access points in sexual assault cases. LGUs were likewise urged to streamline the referral mechanism for sexual assault cases from VAW Desks to concerned offices through close coordination with local health offices, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPC), and Local Committees on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children (LCAT-VAWC). The Department said that through the cooperation of LGUs in making sexual assault investigation kits accessible, child victim-survivors can be better supported in seeking justice, with critical evidence properly preserved to help their cases move forward.

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DILG VI, CAPSU Renew Partnership for 2026 Citizen Satisfaction Index System Re-round ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI and Capiz State University (CAPSU) have renewed their partnership for the implementation of the 2026 Citizen Satisfaction Index System (CSIS) Re-round, formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the CAPSU Campus in Roxas City, Capiz. The MOA signing brought together key officials from both institutions, including DILG Region VI Assistant Regional Director Ma. Calpiza J. Sardua, CESO IV; DILG Capiz Provincial Director Cherryl P. Tacda, CESO V; and CAPSU President Dr. Efren L. Linan. Dr. Leo Andrew B. Biclar served as witness, alongside officials and personnel from DILG and CAPSU. The activity also featured the ceremonial turnover of the initial project fund to CAPSU, which will support the implementation of the 2026 CSIS Re-round. In her message, ARD Sardua highlighted CAPSU’s proven competence and strong track record in the initial CSIS implementation, underscoring the university’s role as a trusted partner in carrying out the re-round. Meanwhile, PD Tacda emphasized the importance of the CSIS in capturing valuable feedback from citizens. She noted that the results provide local governments with essential insights into service delivery gaps and areas where improvements are needed. For his part, Dr. Linan reaffirmed CAPSU’s commitment to supporting the CSIS Re-round and announced the university’s planned partnership with DILG Region VI for the development of a School of Local Governance at the CAPSU Sapian Campus. Building on the gains and experiences of the initial CSIS implementation, DILG Region VI and CAPSU remain committed to generating meaningful and evidence-based citizen feedback to strengthen local governance, improve public service delivery, and promote more responsive local governments across the region. Through the renewed partnership, both institutions reaffirm their shared commitment to putting citizens’ voices at the center of efforts to build better, more effective, and accountable local governance.

DILG VI Joins Launch of Unified 911 National Emergency Hotline in Western Visayas ILOILO CITY — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI joined the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in the official launching of the Unified 911 National Emergency Hotline, reinforcing the government’s commitment to providing faster, more reliable, and coordinated emergency response services to communities across Western Visayas. DILG VI Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, CESO III, conveyed the Department’s strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of a single, recognizable emergency hotline that enables the public to quickly access the appropriate assistance during critical situations. “Kapag may emergency, may matatawagan. May tutugon. May tutulong,” RD Ingeniero underscored that the operationalization of 911 must be felt on the ground, particularly at the local level. He highlighted the vital role of local government units (LGUs) in strengthening responsive local emergency systems, ensuring capable and well-prepared responders, and establishing clear coordination mechanisms to bring the 911 service closer to every community. The convergence of the DILG, PNP, BFP, and BJMP in the launch demonstrates the agencies’ shared commitment to building a safer and more responsive Western Visayas. The initiative also supports the Philippine National Police’s vision of “Responsive, Trusted, and Transformative Policing” and the national government’s call for a faster, more accessible, and dependable emergency response system. Through the Unified 911 National Emergency Hotline, the government continues to strengthen inter-agency coordination and ensure that when emergencies arise, help is only one call away.

DILG VI, ISAT-U, LGU Badiangan Forge Partnership to Advance Sustainable Local Economic Development BADIANGAN, Iloilo – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U), and the local government unit (LGU) of Badiangan have strengthened their commitment to sustainable local economic development through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of Project CARES (Community Advancement through Resilience, Education, and Economic Development) under the Badiangan Sustainable Development Initiative (BSDI) and Recovery Initiatives Towards Sustained Economies (RISE) Program. The MOA was signed on August 17, 2026 at the Municipal Social Hall in Badiangan, Iloilo marking a significant step toward a stronger government-academe-LGU partnership aimed at advancing the municipality’s priority industries and creating inclusive economic opportunities for its communities. In his message, DILG Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, CESO III emphasized that the partnership goes beyond a formal agreement, underscoring the shared responsibility of the participating institutions to make local economic development more responsive, inclusive, and sustainable. “When we put our expertise, resources, and experience together, we can certainly create possibilities that are more grounded in the realities of our communities and their aspirations toward more progress,” RD Ingeniero said. He further highlighted the importance of translating collaborative efforts into concrete programs and investments that address the needs and harness the economic potiential of Badiangan’s local industries. Meanwhile, Badiangan Municipal Mayor Atty. Suzette A. Mamon reaffirmed the LGU’s full support for the initiative and its commitment to sustaining interventions that will strengthen the municipality’s local economy and priority industries. For his part, ISAT University President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., PEE, affirmed the University’s commitment to providing academic expertise, research and extension services, innovation, and technical assistance in support of Badiangan’s development priorities. Under the agreement, ISAT-U will provide technical leadership and capacity development interventions; DILG VI will extend policy guidance and governance support and facilitate convergence with development partners; while LGU Badiangan will lead local implementation and institutionalize Project CARES interventions within its planning and governance mechanisms. The MOA signing also marked the opening of a three-day Training-Workshop on Local Economic Development, Value Chain Analysis, and the Development of the Badiangan Priority Commodity Development and Investment Plan (2026–2029). The training-workshop brings together key stakeholders to assess Badiangan’s priority commodities, conduct value chain analysis, and identify strategic development and investment interventions focused on ginger, bolo, and hablon. Through the strengthened collaboration among government, academe, the LGU, and other development stakeholders, the partners seek to transform Badiangan’s local economic priorities into coordinated, sustainable, and actionable interventions. The initiative is expected to help generate greater economic opportunities, strengthen local industries, and contribute to more inclusive and resilient local growth for the people of Badiangan. 

DILG Western Visayas Builds Readiness for Successful BBMP Implementation ILOILO CITY, Western Visayas — More than 5,000 participants from across Western Visayas took part in the Regional Reorientation on the Implementation of the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program (BBMP), strengthening the region’s readiness for the effective and accountable delivery of the program at the grassroots level. The participants included personnel from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional, Provincial, City, and Municipal Offices, barangay officials, and other key stakeholders who joined the activity through Zoom and Facebook Live. The regional reorientation provided a vital platform for program implementers to develop a common understanding of the policies, procedures, and responsibilities governing BBMP implementation. The activity aimed to equip local officials and stakeholders with the knowledge and guidance necessary to ensure that program assistance is delivered efficiently, transparently, and accountably in every barangay. Anchored on the government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots governance and investing in the future of Filipino communities, the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program provides each barangay with ₱200,000 in financial assistance under the Socio-Civic Projects Fund. The assistance is intended to support two key priorities: scholarship assistance for eligible student beneficiaries through the Finisher Fund and the implementation of priority barangay development projects that respond to the needs and aspirations of local communities. With implementation underway, DILG Western Visayas continues to emphasize the importance of informed leadership, strong coordination, and shared accountability among all stakeholders. Through these efforts, the program seeks to translate government assistance into meaningful and sustainable benefits for communities across the region. Every scholarship provided and every development project completed represents a concrete step toward strengthening local communities and ensuring that the benefits of government programs reach the people they are intended to serve. As Western Visayas moves forward with BBMP implementation, DILG Western Visayas remains committed to empowering local governments and barangays in delivering responsive governance and creating tangible opportunities for their constituents—bringing the vision of a future where every barangay truly benefits closer to reality.

DILG supports ARTA’s anti-fixer drive, orders prominent display of “Bawal ang Red Tape” materials The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has thrown its full support behind the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) intensified campaign against fixers and fixing, ordering the prominent display of “Bawal ang Red Tape” materials across its offices and online platforms. Through a Department Memorandum, the DILG directed the display of the anti-red tape signage in strategic and conspicuous areas of its central and regional offices, as well as on the Department’s website and official social media channels, as part of a broader information campaign against fixing and illegal government transactions. “Red tape has no place in the DILG. We, therefore, want these signage seen by everyone as part of our commitment to efficient public services,” the DILG said. Following ARTA’s latest directives on the Campaign Against Fixers and Client Satisfaction Measurement, DILG offices were also urged to intensify public awareness of existing anti-red tape policies, particularly measures against fixers, while strengthening transparency in government transactions. The Department likewise ordered the display of updated anti-fixing information, education, and communication (IEC) materials and the official harmonized Client Satisfaction Measurement (CSM) survey in conspicuous areas to encourage the public to provide direct feedback on government services. “As the government heightens awareness of safeguards against corruption, we also encourage the public to report incidents of illegal transactions to combat fixing through ARTA’s channels,” the DILG said. The intensified campaign comes as the DILG recorded a 99.50 percent client satisfaction score in its 2025 CSM Report, reflecting positive public reception of the Department’s implementation of streamlined services for both internal and external clients. The DILG said strict compliance with the guidelines forms part of ARTA’s Report Card Survey (RCS) 2.0, which measures government agencies’ implementation of Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business Law, and their compliance with service procedures under their respective Citizen’s Charters. “All of these will be tracked by the Compliance Monitoring and Evaluation Office (CMEO) through surprise inspections and spot monitoring to ensure sustained compliance with the law and the related guidelines,” the DILG said. The Department stressed that the campaign ultimately seeks to make legitimate government transactions easier and more transparent while closing opportunities for fixers and other illegal practices. “With these mechanisms in place, we remain committed to safeguarding public trust in government through upholding swift, hassle-free, and customer-friendly service delivery for the Filipino people,” the Department added.

DILG: Over 1,400 LGUs strengthen local investment drive through LEDIP officers The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said 1,441 local government units (LGUs) nationwide have designated Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officers (LEDIPOs), strengthening local efforts to attract investments, support businesses, generate jobs, and expand economic opportunities in communities. Based on the DILG’s latest monitoring, LEDIPOs have been designated in 57 provinces, 110 cities, and 1,274 municipalities. Meanwhile, 688 LGUs have established dedicated Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) Offices or Units, covering 69 provinces, 123 cities, and 496 municipalities. The DILG said strengthening LEDIP mechanisms enables LGUs to take a more active role in driving economic growth by creating conditions that encourage businesses to invest, expand, and generate employment at the local level. “Through LEDIP, LGUs can create an environment where businesses grow, jobs are generated, and communities prosper,” the DILG said. A LEDIP Office or Unit coordinates and implements local investment promotion policies, programs, and projects. Strong LEDIP mechanisms can help LGUs attract businesses, increase local revenues, and strengthen the delivery of public services. The Department continues to urge LGUs to designate a LEDIPO and establish a LEDIP Office or Unit pursuant to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-167. LEDIPOs are likewise encouraged to join the Philippine Association of Local Investment Officers (PALIO), which seeks to institutionalize a nationwide network of LEDIPOs. PALIO provides a platform for capacity-building, peer learning, and technical collaboration among local investment promotion officers. Several LGUs are already translating their LEDIP mechanisms into concrete economic initiatives. In Iloilo City, the LEDIP Office organized the city’s first MSME Summit, bringing together more than 170 micro, small, and medium enterprises for learning, business networking, and access to government services. The city was also named the Most Business-Friendly LGU in the City Level 1B category by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) last year. In Taytay, Rizal, the local government partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (DENR-ERDB) under Project Tahi to map textile waste flows in the municipality’s garment industry. With the participation of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office and LEDIP Office, the initiative aims to support circular economy interventions and policy innovations. The DILG said it will continue working with LGUs to institutionalize and maximize LEDIP mechanisms, ensuring that local economic development translates into more investments, stronger enterprises, more jobs, and better opportunities for Filipino communities.