SAN SIMON, Pampanga – “Ang priority po natin ngayon ay pagsilbihan ang ating mga kababayan sa kanilang pangangailangan habang tayo po ang acting mayor,” Acting Mayor Anne Canlas told Iorbitnews, assuring that the delivery of basic services will remain uninterrupted despite the arrest of Mayor Abundio “Jun” Punsalan Jr.
Canlas formally assumed the post on Thursday, August 7, after Punsalan was nabbed in an entrapment operation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in a San Fernando mall. Authorities said Punsalan was caught receiving P250,000 in marked money from a businessman in exchange for the release of construction equipment allegedly seized by the local government.
The NBI charged Punsalan with violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Direct Bribery. The case stemmed from complaints that the mayor allegedly demanded P1.4 million from the businessman to settle the matter.
Canlas assured Simonians that the municipal hall remains open to hear public grievances and to continue projects and programs.