ON FIRE PREVENTION

            The BFP’s fire prevention efforts for CY 2007 registered a total of 433,319 establishments representing an increase of 16.91% from 370,636 establishments inspected during the previous year.  Of this number 383,839 establishments were found to be compliant and subsequently issued with Fire Safety Inspection Certificates (FSIC).  This represents 18.55% increase from 323,774 establishments inspected last year that complied with fire safety requirements.  A slight increase of 5.77% was registered in the number of establishments for re-inspection from 46,782 in CY2006 to 49,480 in CY2007 during the aforesaid review period.

            In the number of building plans reviewed, there was a slight increase of 3.76% from that of last year, wherein a total of 74,864 building plans were reviewed during CY2007 up from 72,148 observed during the same period last year.  The number of fire brigades trained with decreased by barely 1% or 50,113 in CY 2007 and 50,334 for the immediately preceding years.

            The number of business permit processed declined by 5.20% or a total of 420,714 this year and 443,782 registered during the same period last year.  In the amount of Fire Code Fees collected, a total of almost P250 million was posted, representing an increase of 11% from P225.96 million collected during the entire year.

 

ON FIRE SUPPRESSION

The number of fire incidents suppressed nationwide for CY 2007 slightly increased by 2.48% from 8.82 registered in CY 2006 to 7,876.  Structural fires registered an increase of 4.07% totaling 4,190 in CY 2007 from 4,026 incidents recorded in CY 2006.  Likewise, an increase of 6.57% was reported during the said period in the number of vehicular fire incidents with 373 incidents in CY 2007 compared with 350 in CY 2006.  There was slight decrease of 1.7% in the number of grass/forest fires totaling 2,538 in CY 2007 compared with 2,582 incidents reported in CY 2006.  A total of 1,941 fire incidents of miscellaneous origin was recorded during the period specified representing a decrease of 4.07% from 1,865 recorded in CY 2006.

            The over-all estimated property damage decreased significantly by 26% which registered P2.38 Billion recorded in CY 2007 with to P3.2 Billion recorded during CY 2006. On a per incident property damage, there was a significant decrease of 27.45% from P363,123.52 amount of property  damage per fire incident reported in CY 2006 down to only P263,450.03 reported during CY 2007.

            There four (4) firefighters reported killed on duty during CY 2006 while no fatalities were reported in CY 2007.  A decrease of 25% in civilian deaths totaling 201 was reported in CY 2007 down from 267 of the previous year.  The number of firefighters injured while responding to fire alarm similarly decreased by 25.33% with 56 injuries in CY 2007 compared with 53 injuries in CY 2006.  An increase of almost 2.5% was reported totaling 534 in the number of civilians injured in CY 2007 compared with 521 civilians injured the previous year.

ON FIRE INVESTIGATION AND INTELLIGENCE

A total of 9,042 fire incidents were investigated in CY 2007 of which 6,393 or 70.7% were accidental in nature; 1,622 or 17.94% were still undergoing investigation and 865 or 9.57% were of undetermined nature.

            A total of 140 arson-related or intentional fires were recorded with appropriate charges filed in court against suspected perpetrators. The comparative statistics on nature/motive of fire. On the otherhand, shows the comparative statistics on cause/origin of fire.

ON OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS

The Directorate for Operations (DO) is primarily tasked to assist the Chief, BFP in the performance of his duties and responsibilities through the formulation of policies, guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at improving the efficiency of firefighting operations, EMS and rescue operations and the development of special fire protection operations of forest, transport and hazardous materials fires; in close coordination with Fire National Training Institute (FNTI);  provides vital output for the preparation of mandatory training curricula of BFP personnel pertaining to fire operations; and performs other tasks assigned by the Chief, BFP , Deputy Chiefs and Chief of Directorial Staff.

            In its efforts to improve the efficiency of BFP’s firefighting operations, emergency medical operations and other special operations, this office had accomplished the following during CY 2007:

• Programmed 37 units of handheld radios for BFP-NHQ  and 36 units for NCR;
• Processed the proposed installation of BFP’s Radio Communications tower at the Palace in the Sky, Tagaytay City prior to the system pull-out from Atlanta Tower in Greenhills, San Juan;
• Inspected and monitored vital/critical infrastructures such as terminals, land and marine transport facilities including NAIA, Manila Domestic Airport as well as sea/airports located in Region 5, 6,8,9,12 and CARAGA in the light of bombing threats made by terrorist groups, subversive and animal elements;
• Formulated the projects proposal for the upgrading of Forest Fire Office data and research information equipment.
• DO initiated the planting of Mahogany trees commemorating Arbor Day at Sitio Apo Dam, Norzagaray, Bulacan with 150 BFP-NHQ personnel.
• Consolidated fire-related activities nationwide through Daily Journal Report disseminating the same within BFP-NHQ and DILG Information Center and compiling the said report for records purposes.
• Represented the BFP in the International first Responders Program sponsored by National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) and the Embassy of Canada. Said training is aimed to augment the skills and capabilities of Specialized responders in Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) incident response against terrorist attacks.
• Coordinated and monitored the nationwide implementation of OPLAN Lakbay Alalay during Lenten Season, OPLAN Kaluluwa during the All Saints Day and OPLAN Paalala during the Yuletide holidays last CY 2007.
• DO initiated the creation of Task Force Anti-Pilferage of Electricity in collaboration with MERALCO.
• Responded to the following bomb explosion incidents: Glorietta 2 gas blast in Makati City and Batasan bombing in Quezon City.
• Responded to the Manila Peninsula Hotel Siege in Makati.
• DO acted as member of the expert team formed by the government to investigate the cause and nature of Glorietta 2 bombing incident.
• Participated as resource person in several television and radio interviews with different networks, concerning fire operations and proper safety measures.
• Formulated the implementation plan of BFP Revitalization Drive per verbal instruction of OIC, BFP to address the problem in fire-prone areas through the following initiatives: drafting of pre-fire plans, development of response card system for effective response during fire alarms/emergencies, strict observance of seven (7) day mode of activities in the fire stations, enhancement of community linkages.
• Conduct fire safety inspection of malls, commercial centers, carnivals and other high risk public assembly areas. It also conducted field inspection together with Marina and Coast Guard representatives in country’s premier ports and wharves.
• Conducted underwater rescue training and orientation seminar/workshop for Air Transportation Office (ATO) and Land Transportation Office (LTO).
• Drafted the proposal for the procurement of essential firefighting and rescue equipment such as forcible entry tools, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), SCBA refiller, chainsaw, Hazmat Van, Light Van, Aerial Ladder Platform, Thermal Imaging Cameras, fire dog, fire blanket/cushion, earth insulation tester and gas detection instruments.

ON SPECIAL RESCUE SERVICES

The Special Operations Division (SOD) under the Directorate for Operations is responsible for coordinating the activities of Special Rescue Units (SRUs) deployed in different regional offices, highly-urbanized cities and municipalities nationwide. It provides the necessary training and transfer of rescue technology to different private and government-attached rescue entities that provide a variety of rescue services to the public.

            Special rescue operations require the intervention of highly-trained operatives equipped with special equipment or tools as well as the technical knowhow to undertake search and rescue of victims trapped in extraordinary situations where thay are exposed to imminent death or strong likelihood of fatal injury. These situations or circumstances include but are not limited to the following: high-angle or vertical entrapment in elevated/highrise structures; water drowning; mountain or tunnel cave-ins; vehicular collisions/accidents; bomb/gas explosions, exposure to hazardous materials/toxic and chemical substances and other situation of similar nature that endanger lives or subjects the victims to prolonged suffering and pain due to complexities attending the attemps to rescue them.

            SOD monitored the rescue of 92 persons of which 72 were retrieved alive, while 18 bodies dead were recovered in 97 incidents requiring special rescue that took place during CY 2007.

            Other activities monitored by SOD during the same period include the following: conduct of six (6) rescue demonstrations; eight (8) Haz-Mat monitoring activities; provision of safety/security contingent to 17 public events; conducted 59 seminars/lectures/trainings; assisted in fire drills conducted in42 different institutions or establishments nationwide and verified 24 fire incidents for possible intervention. monit

 

 

ON EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES/MEDICAL DENTAL SERVICES

The Health and Emergency Management Division (HEMD) is responsible for improving the efficiency of EMS and medical and dental operations in various BFP field units.  It undertakes research and prepares training curricular for EMS units in close coordination with Fire National Training Institute (FNTI).  This office prepares plans and programs for the comprehensive recruitment, training, acquisition of equipage and the subsequent deployment of EMS and medical/dental operatives to strategic fire stations nationwide.  To keep abreast of EMS and rescue technologies, HEMD maintains close coordination and linkage with international and local EMS associations for purposes of acquiring modern operational techniques, knowledge and skills as well as possible grant or donation of EMS equipment.

            On the operational side, HEMD is tasked to provide emergency medical and rescue services to the victims of both man-made and natural disasters/calamities.  It provides prompt response to requests of medical assistance in fire-related and similar emergency situations by providing first-aid and pre-hospital care to the victims as well as the transport to hospital by those who need immediate medical attention.

            At present, HEMD’s manpower complement is composed of 10 doctors, 32 dentists, 267 nurses, 48 allied medical professional, 16 physical therapists and 204 administrative support staff totaling 577 EMS personnel deployed in different fire stations nationwide.  As of December 31, 2007, there were 65 ambulance/rescue vans deployed nationwide, of which 50 or 76.92% are operational and the remaining units, 15 or 23.08%. 

EMS responded to 3,442 emergency calls for medical assistance, a decline of 34.04% registered in CY 2007 from 5,218 calls responded during the previous year.  However, the number of persons treated or rescued nearly doubled in CY 2007 totaling 90,632 patients compared to 54,607 persons attended to in CY 2006.

Blood Pressure monitoring sessions increased slightly by 6.04% or 98,830 posted in CY 2007 from that of 68,549 BP sessions undertaken in CY 2006. 

            HEMD undertook 26 medical/dental missions in different places throughout the country thereby benefiting a total of 31,708 patients who availed of medical consultation/treatment and another 5,020 patients who were benefited by dental services extended by the said unit. 

Last March of this year, the same unit established the Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Section under HEMD.  This was a specialty health care unit which evaluates and treats disorders of the musculoskeletal system through application of heat, cold and electrotherapy.

            After eight months of operation, the said section catered to 1,030 patients in dire need of physical therapy or rehabilitation and performed a total of 1,577 of PT procedures/treatment on said patients.

 

ON LOGISTICAL MATTERS

For the period covering CY 2007, the Directorate for Logistics evaluated,  programmed and obligated funds for the repair of 70 fire stations and facilities nationwide amounting to P 32,129,855.34.

Likewise, the same Directorate obligated funds for the repair/rehabilitation of 128 unserviceable firetrucks with an estimated project cost of P 42,806,955.76

 

 

 

 

 

During the same year, BFP activated seven (7) new fire stations in Regions 1, 7, 8, 10 and CAR, as follows:

Caoayan F/Stn, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, Region 1;
Clarin F/Stn, Bohol, Region 7;
Oras F/Stn, Oras, Eastern Samar, Region 8;
Libagon F/Stn, Southern Leyte, Region 8;
San Isidro F/Stn, Leyte, Region 8;
Sultan Naga Dimaporo F/Stn, Lanao del Norte, Region 10, and
Tayum F/Stn, Abra, CAR

 

 

 

 

 

Logistics procured various office equipment worth P 2,114,423.36 from the DBM Procurement Service (DBM-PS). The requirement for supplies and materials was also procured in BFP-NHQ to meet operational requirements of various BFP units amounting to P 106,576,095.48.

As of this writing, there are still P 9,008,584.50 worth of pending items for procurement through DBM-PS  and another P 141,193,457.85 pending or lined-up for procurement in BFP-NHQ.

I.    Procured at DBM-PS amounting to           P 2,114,423.36 Procurement of Various Office Equipment (4th Qtr) Six (6) units DLP Projector Fifteen (15) units Digital Camera 6.1 Megapixels Eleven (11) units IC Recorder B.   Operational Requirements II.    Procured at National Headquarters amounting to P 106,576,095.48 Procurement of Lubricants for First Semester CY 2007 Annual Procurement of Petroleum Products Quarterly Operational Requirements Souvenir Magazine (Fire Prevention) Water Purifying Tablets Quarterly Procurement Programs (medal etc.) III.   Pending/On-going Procurement at DBM-PS amounting to P 19,008,584.50 Fire Protective Garments Fire Hose (double jacket) Quarterly Operational Requirements IV.  Pending/On-going Procurement at NHQs amounting to P 141,193,457.85 Program of Capital Outlay CY 2007 Firefighting Gears Construction of BFP-NHQ (Agham) Upgrading of Computer Units Personnel and Comptroller Handbook

In order to upgrade the skills and enhance the competence of its personnel, the Directorate conducted a series of seminar-workshops on Inventory, Property Management and Disposal in different BFP Regional Offices nationwide which were participated in by the Supply Accountable Officers and Property Custodian from Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 7, CARAGA and NCR:

t is also tasked to ensure that goods and services delivered are properly recorded, accounted for and inspected prior to the acceptance and final delivery to the end-users.  During CY 2007,

The Directorate also programmed and processed during CY 2007 the claims for payment of utilities and made available funds for utilization of both the BFP Regional Offices and National Headquarters the amount of P 85,592,166.67 for said purpose.

ON PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION

In CY 2007, the Directorate for Administration (DA) recruited and absorbed a total of 780 personnel broken down as follows: 745 new Fire Officer 1 (FO1), 13 non-uniformed personnel and 22 graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) commissioned as Fire Inspectors through lateral entry.

The DA also lobbied before the CSC on the recognition of NAPOLCOM and PO1 eligibilities. This immediately benefited Senior Superintendents holding said eligibility by enabling them to gain permanent status of appointment as a result of the recognition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Management Information Section (MIS), for its part, created an electronic database of issued memorandums, orders, certifications and identification cards issued by the said office.  This same unit works hand in hand with the General Services Section (GSS) in monitoring the attendance and activites of BFP NHQ personnel through the generation of daily time records by the finger scan machine.

A total of 446 BFP personnel were promoted during the same period to higher ranks as follows: 84 officers; 339 non-officers, 13 non-uniformed personnel and 10 existing personnel were promoted through lateral entry as Information Officers (IOs).

 

Knowing fully-well that a duly-recognized and motivated work force is a vital factor contributory to increased productivity, efficiency and effectiveness in the performance of their assigned tasks,

Among others, routine activities were conducted such as the issuance of 137 Certificates of Appearance for liquidation purposes and the issuances of 700 Phil Heath IDs were processed. Proceeds of voluntary contribution to five (5) deceased BFP Personnel were given to their families and dependents as well as three (3) Letters of Sympathy were mailed to express the BFP’s gratitude for their services rendered.

A total of 11 BFP personnel were extended financial and medical assistance to alleviate their adverse economic plight. Likewise, a total of 225  scholarship grants were processed to assist the dependents of BFP personnel who died while performing their duties.

 

 

 

 

 

On Training and Education

The conduct of trainings and seminar-workshops is aimed to upgrade the skills as well as to improve the competence of BFP personnel.  Such undertaking has always been the priority of BFP to hone the firefighters and other BFP operatives in the performance of their functions, increase their productivity and at the same time, give them the opportunities for career growth and professional development.

From January to December of CY 2007, a total of 1,018 personnel completed the mandatory trainings conducted in Fire National Training Institute (FNTI).  During the same period, a total of 44 uniformed and non-uniformed personnel were nominated to undergo foreign trainings and seminars while a total of 44 personnel were benefited by trainings conducted locally. 

In CY 2007, a total of six (6) personnel who availed of the six (6) months study leave to finish their baccalaureate degree, undergo review for government board examinations, bar examinations and one (1) benefited from the Local Scholarship Program – Masteral Degree Completion (LSP-MDC).

 

 

Grant of Benefits and Assistance to BFP Personnel and Dependents

The same Directorate thru its Benefits Assistance Section (BAS) undertook the processing of retirement, commutation of leave, survivorship, death, special financial assistance (SFA), medical reimbursements and disability of personnel and their dependents.  It also prepared the budgetary requirements to process various claims for financial assistance and benefits for BFP personnel, the retirees as well as their dependents.

On Records Management

During CY 2007, the Directorate received a total of 8,229 applications for leave wherein the processing of monetization for leave credits constituted the bulk reaching 7,455 from both the BFP National Headquarters and Regional Offices.  The rest were intended for vacation, sick, mandatory and other leaves. A total of 343 certifications of accrued leave credits were issued in CY 2007 with 245 certifications issued for terminal leave claims, 66 for re-assignment and 32 for reference purposes.  Six (6) personnel who resigned from the service in CY 2007 availed of the exhaustion of leave credits to justify the payment of their salary.  A total of 126 various certifications were issued to personnel and other legal beneficiaries/heirs.

On Community Relations and Public Information

The Public Information Section (PIS) under the auspices of the Directorate for Administration is tasked to coordinate with the tri-media networks in order to bring BFP’s fire safety programs closer to the public. In CY 2007, said unit through its effective media advocacy utilized the print, radio and TV networks to provide nationwide coverage of its Fire Prevention Month commemorated yearly highlighting the activities participated in by the students, volunteer fire brigades,  the industrial sector and community, in general.

            The same facilities were used to launch fire prevention and information campaign initiated by the BFP in both national and regional level stressing the need for vigilance as well as cooperation between the government and the citizenry. PIS formulated the uniform design and content used in posting of fire prevention tips and safe housekeeping practices especially during holidays. It was responsible for circulating the abridged version of the Anti-Corruption and Red Tape reduction initiatives undertaken by the Bureau in compliance with its commitments with Integrity Development Action Plan.

On General Services

The General Services Section provided round-the-clock security within the premises of the BFP National Headquarters and monitoring the attendance of BFP NHQ personnel and incoming visitors.

The unit took charge of the physical arrangements and for the rendering services rendered during the conduct of testimonial ceremony held in honor of Director Jose E. Collado who retired in November CY 2007.

ON FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) through the Directorate for Comptrollership performed its routine activities in connection with its mandated functions of financial and accounting management.

In CY 2007, the BFP has a total appropriation of P 5,543,595,114.00 from two (2) sources, General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2007 and Special Allotment Release Orders (SARO) to cover additional expenses, to wit:

• 10% increase in base pay of Non-Uniformed Personnel (NUPs), Hazard and Subsistence Allowance of Uniformed Personnel which took effect last July, 2007;
• Provision for the retirement gratuity, terminal as well as death benefits;
• Performance Bonus for CY 2007, and
• Pension of BFP Retirees

A total of P 5,354,630,655.30 was obligated during the same year for various objects of expenditure: P 4,757,372,145.29 for Personal Services (PS), P 543, 984,787.21 for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) and and P 53,273,722.80 for Capital Outlay (CO) leaving a balance of P 188,964,458.70 for the period ending December 31, 2007.

The Directorate for Comptrollership was responsible for the consolidation of inputs from BFP operating units to come up with CY 2008 Budget Proposal and coordinated the agency’s efforts to ensure attendance of key officers to technical budget deliberations/hearing as well as the strict compliance to the submission of pertinent documents for its justification. 

The status of the BFP’s proposal as January 28, 2008 provided for the inclusion of the following items: hiring of additional 500 Fire Officer 1 (FO1s); a corresponding increase of P 49.9 million for Personal Services and another P 200 million  for Capital Outlay.

On Budget Accountability Management

The same Directorate also performed a year-round compliance to government report requirements on BFP’s financial and accounting transactions to ensure accountability and fiscal prudence in the light of the government-wide implementation of the austerity measures: 

• Prepared Financial Report on time as prescribed by COA, DBM and NGAOs;
• Updated Bank Reconciliation for: MDS Accounts, Accounts Payable,
• Scholarship Account; and Continuous Form Check (Updated up to July 2007)

During the same year the Directorate undertook steps to comply with Commission on Audit’s (COA) Audit Observation Memos (AOMs).

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Management Monitoring and Audit

In the exercise of its policy-making and regulatory functions, the Directorate of Comptrollership formulated and implemented Fiscal Directives as well as Memorandum Circulars in view of rationalizing the process and procedures in the disbursement of funds during CY 2007. During the same review period, the Directorate for Comptrollership conducted of 109 inspections on the delivery of supplies and materials, goods and services turned-over to the BFP.  It validated the presence of regular and RA 1616 retirees at Regions 5-12, ARMM and CARAGA on May 21-28, 2007 in cooperation with Benefits Assistance Unit (BAU) personnel.  Monitoring/audit of funds utilization was conducted in the following field units: Region 9 - August 29-31, 2007; Region 10 - September 12-14, 2007; Region 12 - September 26-28, 2007; Region 11 - October 10-12, 2007.  Other relevant activities conducted by the Directorate.

On Cash Management and Disbursement of Funds

The Pay and Allowances Section (PAS) under the Cash Management Division (CMD) is responsible for the release of salary and allowances of BFP Personnel nationwide as well as the release of pension of the retirees.  The Record Section of CMD is tasked to issue, file, index and authentication of payslips.  In CY 2007, a total of 265,304 individual CFCs amounting to P 1,520,789,057.04 were issued and distributed.  During the same period, a total of 3,965 Class “E” CFCs were issued to consignees.

Formulation of Comptrollership Handbook – for finalization of final draft and submission to winning bidder for printing;

Coordination/Reconciliation made to utilize excess income based on estimated Fire Code Fees Collection amounting to P57,636,997.12;

Coordinated the approval of Rank Restructuring in line with management request for the creation of additional nine (9) Chief Superintendent item;

Worked on the re-alignment of funds needed to support the establishment of Regional Motor Pools;

Re-alignment of savings from MOOE to procure: Gas Chromatograph, BFP ID System, Check Burster/Line Printer.

Savings from Unfilled Positions coordinated with Directorate for Personnel for payment of:

• Monetization of Leave Credits Payment of additional P 3,000 over and above the P 7,000.00 provided by the DBM for the Performance Bonus
• Commutation of Leave/Leave Differential;
• Retirement and Death Benefits not covered by request for SARO
• Other unpaid prior benefits;
• Instructors Duty Pay (IDP);
• Training subsistence allowance.

During the last quarter of CY 2007 the Directorate conducted seminar-workshops to orient and disseminate new policies/guidelines to all budget officers assigned in the field units nationwide:

• Financial Management Seminar for Visayas and Mindanao Cluster at Crown Regency Inn Davao City, Oct. 8-12, 2007;
• Financial Management Seminar for Luzon and NCR Cluster at Island Cove, Binakayan Cavite, Nov. 6-10, 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Cash Management and Disbursement of Funds

The Pay and Allowances Section (PAS) under the Cash Management Division (CMD) is responsible for the release of salary and allowances of BFP Personnel nationwide as well as the release of pension of the retirees.  The Record Section of CMD is tasked to issue, file, index and authentication of payslips.  In CY 2007, a total of 265,304 individual CFCs amounting to P 1,520,789,057.04 were issued and distributed.  During the same period, a total of 3,965 Class “E” CFCs were issued to consignees.  Other check releases were processed.

During the same period, PAS issued 74 certificates of pension; forwarded 54 certificates of cancellation of checks; 15 certificates of last payment; 50 certificates of compensation; 20 stop payment orders; and 217 certificates of non-payment.

The Checking Account Section

is responsible for the preparation and issuance of checks for different financial claims, both personal and commercial.  For this calendar year, it received disbursement vouchers and subsequently issued MDS checks, to wit: 3,576 checks for Current Accounts; 3,472 for Accounts Payable and 256 checks for payment of scholarship benefits   It is also responsible for the release of checks to BFP claimants who are active and retired from the service, as follows: 3,383 released checks for Current Accounts; 2,667 for Accounts Payables and 134 for scholarships.

1. Processed and forwarded a total of 545 ACICs to Land Bank;
2. Processed 215 abstracts to the Accounting Section;
3. Issued 13,780 certifications of payment and non-payment of BFP Personnel;
4. Submitted 263 RCI to the Accounting Section;
5. Followed-up 17 DVs for SILG’s signature, and
6. Issued a total of 33 report of cancelled MDS checks.

The total of SLCIs disbursed amounted to P 4,590,733,349.91.  astly, it remitted a total of 90 various payments (inter-branch deposits) and the total amount of collection remitted to the Bureau of Treasury is P 17,470,711.43

For CY 2007 CMD prepared Disbursement Vouchers for all remittances of the BFP and consequently remitted 564 monthly checks to various agencies and 374 checks to individuals. Apart from submitting monthly report of changes to the EDPU, this section also facilitated the issuance of 135 remittance certificates for GSIS, 108 for PhilHealth/ Medicare and 2 each for PAG-IBIG, AFPSLAI and PALI.

Further, said office approved and verified loans for different lending institutions as follows: 284 for AFPSLAI, 76 for AMWSLAI, 790 for MBAI, 378 for PAG-IBIG, 40 for BFPMBAI, 46 for BFPMPC and 2 for LTMPC. Moreover, it received and acted on a total of 172 letter request for stoppage, deductions and adjustment from BFP personnel nationwide and 574 of the same requests but from walk-in BFP personnel. 

 

It was responsible for the correct imposition of withholding tax percentage has examined/processed a total of 452 Disbursement Vouchers of taxable claims (MOOE and PS) and 13 Withholding Tax Vouchers. It also prepared and reported the Monthly Tax Withholding Advices (TRA) being submitted to RDO-40 broken down as follows:

• Monthly Remittance Return of Income Taxes Withheld on Compensation of the BFP personnel-BIR Form No. 1601-C amounting to P 156,015,322.27;
• Monthly Remittance Return of Creditable Income Taxes withheld (Expanded Withholding Tax) – BIR Form No. 1601-E amounting to P 1,626,504.70, and
• Monthly Remittance Return of Value Added Tax and other Percentages Taxes Withheld – BIR Form No. 1600 amounting to  P 3,414,382.06.  

For 2007, this office received and processed a total of 707 BIR Forms 1902 and 2305 (Tax Status Updating and Tin Applications) and 176 Tin Card ID applications from BFP personnel nationwide. Updates of report of changes were submitted to the EDPU and the BIR. It also issued 174 creditable tax certificates (BIR forms 2307/06).  Further, it reproduced lost copies of 2316 certificates for 187 personnel for various purposes and updated the tax status of 1,232 BFP personnel.  It also issued 2316 (W-2) certificates to all BFP personnel nationwide.

CMD prepared and facilitated request, voucher for payment of Fidelity Bond for 178 personnel and has prepared transmittal to the Bureau of Treasury for same number of personnel and is in the process of consolidating reports submitted by 293 bonded officers/personnel nationwide as basis for payment of bond premium.

 

The Electronic Data Processing Section (EDPS)

under the same office undertook the processing and printing the monthly payroll, monthly CFCs, special benefits, pensions of retirees, survivors, death and TPPD and Income Tax Returns (ITR) forms. Other monthly routine activities include generating the breakdown of pay and allowances and breakdown of deductions of the different lending and insurance agencies. For CY 2007, this section processed and issued the monthly remittances to the different lending and insurance agencies through 520 diskettes. It also validated 650 original payslips of BFP personnel applying for loan to make sure that they do not have suspended loan deductions.

It updated 127,000 and 28,000 records for the monthly payroll master file submitted by the Remittance and Pay and Allowances Sections, CMD, respectively.  For said year a total of 177,946 Salary CFCs and 1,969 Class E CFCs were printed. As for bonuses and other incentives a total of 75, 244 checks were processed and printed. Printed pay slip for distribution nationwide has the same number as that of printed Salary CFCs. It also issued 310 certificates of deletion of checks to BFP personnel for retirement and death claims.

The Technical Branch of the EDPS is responsible in supervising all offices in the BFP National Headquarters for the development of the systematic approach in the proper utilization of IT resources. In this connection, it has instituted preventive maintenance of 68 computers; upgraded 32 computers with necessary IT facilities; installed hardware parts to 47 computers; issued 46 technical service reports as attachment for the upgrading of IT resources; issued 39 pre and post inspection reports; established 24 Internet connections and repaired 78 computers including the installation of various operating systems, application softwares and installation device drivers.

ON ADJUDICATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE CASES AND RELATED MATTERS

The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) is primarily responsible for investigation and filing of formal administrative charges against erring BFP personnel.  Other legal matters undertaken by IAS include the following:  representation by IAS as BFP’s prosecuting body during trial or proceedings before the BFP Hearing Office; evaluation of applications for accreditation of suppliers and dealers transacting business with the BFP; investigation of claims for medical reimbursement; evaluation of requests for class “E” allotment and issuance of clearance to BFP personnel.

In CY 2007, IAS processed the filing of approved formal charges against 29 BFP defendants before the Hearing Office.  During the same period, IAS investigated a total of 87 cases wherein 29 were formally charged, 27 cases were either dismissed, dropped and closed.  It archived three (3) cases and 28 cases are still undergoing preliminary investigation.

A total of 30 applications for accreditation were received by IAS broken down as follows:  15 for renewal of certificates of accreditation and equal number of new applications were evaluated.  Twelve (12) claims for medical reimbursement were received by the same unit in CY 2007 for investigation wherein 6 medical claims are being investigated.  The rest of the claims were forwarded to Benefits and Assistance Unit (BAU) for processing of payment.

During CY 2007, a total of 18 applications for class “E” allotments were reviewed of which 8 were subsequently issued to FSU for implementation; six (6) were requests for change of allottee; three (3) requests for increase in the amount of class “E” allotment were granted and only one (1) request for revocation was facilitated.  IAS issued 7,330 clearances of pending and non-pending administrative cases to BFP personnel during the same period.