In a passionate dialogue with the Filipino community in Shanghai, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac directly addressed deep-rooted concerns over government corruption, assuring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that the Marcos administration is serious about cleaning house—starting within its own ranks.
During the “Bagong Bayani ng Mundo: OFW Serbisyo Caravan” held at the Philippine Consulate General on September 14, OFWs voiced growing mistrust toward the government, pointing to corruption as a key reason for their reluctance to return home. Their frustration was met with a firm promise from Secretary Cacdac: “Accountability and integrity in public service—those are non-negotiables.”
Cacdac emphasized that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had already made clear his dissatisfaction with alleged irregularities in the 2025 budget early this year. “Nagsimula ang lahat ng ito ng first Cabinet meeting namin… he expressed his steep disappointment,” the Secretary recalled. Cacdac also highlighted Executive Order 94, which established an independent commission to investigate the alleged anomalies, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to uncovering the truth.
In a significant development tied to the ongoing flood control scandal, Cacdac confirmed that Labor Attaché Macy Monique Maglanque, stationed in Los Angeles, has been recalled to face multiple investigations. “Pina-recall namin kasi dinadawit ni Senator Panfilo Lacson… She will have to come home and face not just the independent commission, but also our internal administrative investigation,” Cacdac said.
The Secretary further revealed that the DMW has already taken decisive action internally, filing complaints before the Ombudsman against former OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio and his deputies over a controversial ₱1.4 billion land deal. According to Cacdac, red flags in the transaction included a check issued 10 days before the deed of sale, inflated valuations, and a questionable inclusion of demolished condo units in the final pricing.
“Sa DMW side, we will do our part,” he stressed, reiterating his vow to hold those responsible accountable—regardless of position or affiliation.
