Former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio is facing potential legal trouble over an alleged unauthorized P1.4-billion land acquisition deal meant for an OFW accommodation center.
According to Palace press officer Claire Castro, a complaint against Ignacio was filed with Malacañang and was officially received by the Office of the President. “Ignacio was even asked by Desla (Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs) to explain the matter. It became the reason for his immediate removal from the office,” Castro revealed.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac clarified that Ignacio was not given the option to resign but was directly removed due to “loss of trust and confidence.” The controversial land deal, which was meant to establish a halfway house for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), reportedly bypassed the approval of the OWWA Board of Trustees.
Cacdac emphasized that the OWWA board never authorized the transaction. “It did not go through the OWWA Board of Trustees,” he explained, adding that the President has been briefed about the situation. Legal action against Ignacio is now being considered.
Following Ignacio’s departure, Migrant Workers Undersecretary Patricia Caunan has been appointed as the new OWWA chief. A seasoned lawyer, Caunan is known for her expertise in labor, civil, administrative, and criminal law.
