DOJ files graft, extortion complaints against San Simon mayor

Criminal and administrative complaints have been filed against San Simon, Pampanga Mayor Abundio Punsalan Jr., alleging that he extorted P80 million from RealSteel Corp.

The company claims that Punsalan threatened to revoke tax incentives if the payment was not made and has accused him of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and prejudicial conduct.

The Department of Justice National Prosecution Service also transmitted criminal complaints for graft, robbery by means of extortion, and illegal possession of firearms involving Punsalan and six alleged accomplices.

During an NBI sting operation on Aug. 5, RealSteel handed over P30 million to Punsalan in a restaurant in Angeles City under the pretext of complying with his demands.

The complaints stem from allegations that Punsalan used threats to extort money from RealSteel in exchange for maintaining tax incentives for the company.