The Palace has clarified that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) trust fund remains unaffected by a controversial P1.4-billion land acquisition deal currently under investigation, according to a statement made by Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro on Monday.
Castro emphasized that initial findings showed the OWWA trust fund was not utilized in the unauthorized transaction. “Sa inisyal na imbestigasyon hindi po affected ang OWWA trust fund, pero ini-imbestigahan pa rin po kung may nagamit,” she said during a press briefing at Malacañang.
The investigation comes after OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio was removed from his position over allegations of using public funds for purchasing land intended for a facility meant to house repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). However, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac clarified that the project did not have the DMW’s approval, stressing that the government has no need for a dedicated lodging facility for OFWs.
Castro also assured that any officials found involved in the questionable transaction would face immediate consequences. “Kung sinuman iyon, tatanggalin, sususpendihin at agarang imbestigasyon ang kinakailangan dito,” she added.
Under Republic Act No. 10801, the OWWA Trust Fund is strictly designated for the welfare of member-OFWs and their families, including financing core programs and services. The law explicitly prohibits using the fund to support any expenditures of other government agencies.
