DILG demands accountability from promoted fire officers

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday called on 214 newly promoted Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel to lead with integrity, set an example and earn public trust as they assume greater responsibilities.

Remulla issued the challenge during an oath-taking and mass donning of ranks ceremony at the BFP National Headquarters in Quezon City.

There are many ranks to cleanse and many fires to put out, Remulla told the personnel, urging them to change themselves before trying to change the system and to serve as an inspiration to the public and their subordinates.

The Interior chief stressed that meaningful reform in government begins with personal accountability, recalling that when he entered public service 31 years ago, he sought self-improvement before working to transform the system.

He changed himself first, and then changed the system, Remulla said.

Remulla also shared advice given to him by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. upon taking leadership of the Interior department, stressing that integrity must never be compromised.

When entering the department, the president instructed him never to accept money from illegal gambling or feed those funds to his family, Remulla said, adding that he passes the same standard on to fire personnel.

Remulla stressed that promotion is not merely a recognition of rank, but a responsibility to uphold institutional standards and protect public trust. He expressed a desire for Filipinos to comfortably say they trust the BFP and the interior department.