The Office of the Ombudsman has placed San Simon, Pampanga Mayor Abundio “Jun” Punsalan Jr. under a six-month preventive suspension without pay, following administrative complaints filed against him.

In a five-page order signed by Acting Ombudsman Dante Vargas, Punsalan was cited for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

“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 (6) months, without pay," the order read.

The suspension is linked to two complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and RealSteel Corporation, accusing the mayor of allegedly demanding P125 million from the steel company.

Reports indicated that the demand was later raised to P155 million but eventually reduced to P80 million in exchange for the continued operation of RealSteel Corporation's plant in San Simon.

It can be recalled that Punsalan, together with his associate Ed Ryan Dimla, was arrested in connection with alleged extortion, graft, and illegal possession of firearms during an entrapment operation on August 5. The operation, conducted by the NBI, reportedly captured the mayor accepting an initial payment of P30 million from a businessman.

The preventive suspension aims to ensure that witnesses remain uninfluenced and that evidence is preserved throughout the ongoing investigation.

Vargas said that "there is also enough basis to conclude that his continued stay in office may prejudice the just, fair and independent disposition of the present cases.

The suspension order comes a month after Punsalan returned to office following his detention related to the alleged extortion case.