Arnell Ignacio has been removed from his position as the administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) due to a “loss of trust and confidence,” according to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac. The decision was linked to a controversial P1.4-billion land acquisition deal that Cacdac said bypassed the OWWA Board of Trustees.
In a GMA News Online report, Cacdac clarified that Ignacio did not voluntarily resign but was ousted due to his involvement in a questionable land deal meant to provide accommodation for overseas Filipino workers. “Former administrator Ignacio did not resign from office. He was removed and replaced on the count of loss of trust and confidence due to an anomalous P1.4 billion land acquisition deal that did not go through the OWWA Board of Trustees on at least six counts,” Cacdac stated.
Cacdac emphasized that the land deal, which was finalized in September 2024, should have been presented to the OWWA Board for approval, but Ignacio proceeded without the board’s authorization. “He did not… inform the Board on at least six counts, on six matters, surrounding the P1.4 billion land acquisition deal,” he explained.
The DMW Secretary further revealed that the project was initially planned in September 2023, with the final deed of sale executed a year later. He also noted that the accommodation plan for OFWs was unnecessary, as private sector options were available. “Dapat kinonsulta muna niya ang OWWA Board doon pa lang kasi ako mismo, pagsasabihan ko siya na di kailangan ‘yun because the private sector can secure mga accommodation requirements kung mayroong kailangang i-billet na OFWs,” Cacdac stressed.
Cacdac confirmed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has been informed about the issue and that charges will be filed against Ignacio in the appropriate forum.
Ignacio has yet to issue a detailed response, stating only that he would address the matter in the proper forum. Following his removal, DMW Undersecretary Patricia Caunan has taken over as the new OWWA administrator.
