Senator Erwin Tulfo flags alleged ‘slot-for-sale’ extortion in BFP recruitment

Senator Erwin Tulfo has raised concerns over an alleged “slot-for-sale” scheme in the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), where applicants were reportedly asked to pay as much as P800,000 in exchange for positions in the agency.

In a privilege speech during Monday’s plenary session, September 7, 2026, Tulfo described the alleged practice as a serious corruption issue, stressing that government positions should be awarded based on merit, competence, and integrity rather than money or personal connections.

"There have been reported allegations of a slot-for-sale scheme in the BFP recruitment process. Applicants are allegedly being asked for substantial amounts of money ranging from P100,000 to P800,000 in exchange for a slot, assistance in the recruitment process, or an assurance of appointment. If applicants are allegedly being asked to pay in exchange for a slot in the BFP, this is no longer simply a recruitment problem. This is a serious allegation of corruption," Tulfo stressed.

He also warned applicants who allegedly pay large sums for government positions that they could end up treating their employment as an investment that needs to be recovered.

"Even those who are willing to pay P100,000 to P800,000 just to get into the organization should think about how they would eventually recover the money they allegedly paid as a bribe once they are hired. A government position is not a business. It cannot be bought, and it should not be obtained through money or connections," he added.

Tulfo likewise questioned an alleged BFP recruitment policy that gives registered criminologists a 75% equivalent rating when they invoke their exemption from the agency’s qualifying examination.

Under Republic Act No. 11131, or the Philippine Criminology Profession Act of 2018, registered criminologists are exempted from additional qualifying or entrance examinations for BFP positions and are given priority in appointment.

However, Tulfo noted that the law does not expressly state that criminologists who avail themselves of the exemption should automatically receive a 75% rating for recruitment ranking.

The senator questioned the legal basis for the BFP’s policy, particularly because applicants who take the agency’s digital qualifying examination may score above 75% even if they are not licensed criminologists.

Tulfo called on the BFP to clarify how the 75% equivalent rating complies with RA 11131 and ensure that its recruitment rules do not put registered criminologists at a disadvantage despite their legal exemption from the qualifying examination.