The Office of the Ombudsman suspended San Simon, Pampanga Mayor Abundio “Jun” Punsalan, Jr. for a maximum of six months in connection with an ₱80 million bribe attempt from a steel company.

In an Ombudsman order dated September 30 but released October 6, the Acting Ombudsman stated that the preventive suspension order stemmed from a complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) accusing Punsalan, Jr. of demanding ₱80 million from San Simon-based Real Steel Corp. in exchange for not revoking a municipal ordinance granting tax incentives to the company.

The mayor is facing allegations of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Real Steel representatives asked for help from authorities, prompting the NBI to launch an operation last August 5, 2025 against Punsalan, who was caught receiving marked money.

“Based on the evidence on record, it is preliminarily established that the guilt of Respondent Abundio ‘Jun’ S. Punsalan, Jr. is strong and the charges against him involve grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial against the interest of the service which, if duly proven, would warrant the penalty of removal from the service,” the Resolution stated.

According to the Ombudsman, “there is enough basis to conclude that the mayor’s continued stay in office may prejudice the just, fair and independent disposition of the present cases.”

“This office is, therefore, fully convinced that placing the respondent under preventive suspension is proper, in accordance with Section 24 of Republic Act 6770 or the Ombudsman law,” the Resolution said.

“Wherefore, Abundio Simbulan Punsalan, Jr. is hereby preventively suspended from office for the duration of the proceedings until the same is terminated, but not to exceed six months without pay. The period of preventive suspension shall be effective upon service to the respondent of a copy of this Order,” it added.

Office of the Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman is an independent, impartial public body that investigates citizen complaints against government agencies and maladministration. The modern concept originated in Sweden in 1809, and similar institutions have since been established in many countries worldwide to ensure government accountability and protect citizens’ rights.

San Simon, Pampanga

San Simon is a municipality in Pampanga, Philippines, historically known for its agricultural lands and fishing grounds. It played a role during the Philippine-American War as a site for military operations and later became a center for local industry and commerce. Today, it is part of the growing Pampanga region, contributing to the area’s economic and cultural landscape.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is the primary investigative agency of the Philippines, established in 1936 upon the recommendation of President Manuel L. Quezon. Modeled after the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), its mandate is to conduct criminal investigations, provide technical services, and assist other government agencies in upholding the law.

Real Steel Corp.

“Real Steel Corp.” is not a historical place or cultural site, but the title of a 2011 science-fiction film about robot boxing. The story follows a former boxer and his son who build and train a fighting robot to compete in the World Robot Boxing league. Therefore, it does not have a physical history as it is a work of fiction.

Republic Act 6770

“Republic Act 6770” is not a place or cultural site, but a law from the Philippines. Enacted in 1989, it is known as The Ombudsman Act of 1989, which established the Office of the Ombudsman. This independent body is tasked with investigating and prosecuting government officials accused of graft and corruption.

Ombudsman law

An ombudsman is an official, typically appointed by a government or organization, who investigates complaints from the public against administrative injustice and maladministration. The concept originated in Sweden in 1809 with the creation of the Justitieombudsmän to oversee the government and ensure it followed laws. Today, the institution exists in many countries as an independent and impartial mechanism to protect citizens’ rights and improve public administration.