SAN SIMON , Pampanga — After serving a 6-month suspension by the Office of the Ombudsman, embattled Mayor Abundio “JP” Punsalan Jr. has been slapped with a 90-day preventive suspension by the Sandiganbayan.
The suspension imposed by the said Court commenced immediately after the preventive suspension issued by the Office of the Ombudsman.
These suspensions stemmed from allegations of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and alleged extortion regarding a ₱30-million bribe case involving a steel corporation.
On April 7, 2026 DILG Regional Director Aracelis A. San Jose has directed San Simon Vice Mayor Josephine Anne Canlas to perform the duties as Acting Mayor in accordance with Section 46 of the Local Government Code.
Punsalan was accused of demanding ₱80 million from Real Steel Corporation and was allegedly caught in an entrapment operation receiving money in September 2025 somewhere in the Clark Freeport.
Punsalan was eventually released after a Muntinlupa court granted his petition for habeas corpus.
Shortly after, an extreme urgent motion was filed by RealSteel Corporation before the Ombudsman, which sought the immediate preventive suspension of Punsalan.
The Ombudsman suspended Punsalan for six months without pay. The charges filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the firm involve extortion and bribery, with preliminary evidence deemed strong, justifying the suspension to prevent further tampering with evidence.
In November 2025, warrants of arrest have been issued by the Sandiganbayan against Punsalan for Malversation of Public Funds and Violation of Section 3(e) RA 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Prior to the recent suspensions, Punsalan’s police powers were also previously revoked following a separate extortion investigation.
The suspension is for the duration of the proceedings, not to exceed six months, with the goal of ensuring a fair investigation.
Punsalan has argued that his actions regarding the municipal ordinance in question did not involve monetary considerations and maintained his innocence.
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