Pampanga governor condemns ‘extortionist’ mayor

Pampanga Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda said Thursday she will not tolerate corruption following the arrest of San Simon Mayor Abundio Punsalan Jr. on bribery charges.

“As the mother of Pampanga, I do not condone that,” Pineda said. “Vice Governor Dennis Pineda and I are doing everything we can to take care of you, to help you — but with what happened, I was surprised. I don’t know why this happened.”

Punsalan was arrested Tuesday afternoon in Angeles City by the National Bureau of Investigation’s Pampanga District Office and the arrest came after a complaint was filed by Realsteel Corp., which accused the mayor of soliciting an P80 million bribe in exchange for a favorable resolution from the local government.

According to the NBI, Punsalan and an alleged accomplice were caught while reportedly receiving a P30 million initial payment.

During the arrest, authorities also took into custody members of the mayor’s security detail after discovering several firearms and live ammunition. The legality and registration of the weapons are under investigation.

The NBI said the scheme began when an individual named Eric Yabut, who was posing as a San Simon municipal officer, ordered the company to stop construction and hauling activities.

Shortly after, another alleged accomplice identified as Ed Ryan Dimla, who identified himself as the town’s “External City Administrator,” allegedly demanded P30-million to prevent further municipal action against the firm.

He also allegedly demanded an additional P125 million, which he claimed was to reimburse the mayor’s political campaign expenses. The company’s owner had allegedly financed Punsalan’s rival in the mayoral race.

Investigators said the suspects threatened to revoke RealSteel’s business permits and cancel a municipal ordinance that granted the company tax incentives. A sting operation was set up, resulting in the arrest of both men as they received marked money from the complainant.

Punsalan and Dimla have been charged with robbery, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and illegal possession of firearms. They underwent inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice on Wednesday.

Following the arrest, Vice Mayor Anne Canlas has been named officer-in-charge of San Simon to ensure the continuity of municipal services.