Investigation Launched into Anomalous Land Deal
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has opened an investigation into the alleged anomalous P1.4-billion land acquisition deal involving the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). This transaction reportedly proceeded without the approval of the agency’s Board of Trustees, raising concerns about its legitimacy.
DMW Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne “PJ” Caunan confirmed the ongoing probe during a recent forum in Quezon City. She emphasized, “[DMW] Secretary Hans Cacdac made a statement already, allow me to say this and as a lawyer I would also say this, there’s an investigation… I will allow due process to take its course.” The exact nature of the irregularities is still being examined.
Leadership Changes and Audit Plans
Former OWWA administrator Arnell Ignacio was removed from his post following the controversy. The dismissal was reportedly due to “loss of trust and confidence” linked to the unauthorized land deal. Ignacio declined to comment immediately but expressed surprise over the developments.
Caunan, who has now taken over as OWWA administrator, shared her approach to resolving the issue: “As the new administrator of OWWA, we will perform the necessary audit, we will seek the required legal opinion from the Department of Justice and we will engage with the Commission on Audit.”
Details of the P1.4-Billion Land Deal
The disputed land purchase was intended to create a “half-way house”—a dormitory-style accommodation for overseas Filipino workers near Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. The agreement was reportedly made in September 2024 without the appropriate authorization.
Caunan explained the legal process for such transactions: “Let’s go back to OWWA law. It says there that the power to purchase a real property… the approval should be with the Board of Trustees of OWWA and the Chairman of the Board is the Secretary of DMW, the Vice Chair is the OWWA Administrator. So the regular process or what is expected is that purchases should go through the Board of Trustees.” This suggests the P1.4-billion land acquisition bypassed established protocols.
Protection of the OFW Fund
Despite the controversy, Caunan assured that the P1.4-billion involved “did not come from the trust fund.” She clarified that the OWWA Fund, sourced from contributions by overseas Filipino workers, seafarers, and employers, remains intact.
Budget records indicate the 2025 OWWA Fund stands at P2.973 billion, separate from the P3.409-billion government allocation under the General Appropriations Act (GAA). Caunan added, “So it’s with the government budget, the GAA. So intact ‘yung pera nu’ng trust fund. Hindi ito trust fund para wala na parang paninisi, diretsuhin ko na.”
She stressed, “The OFW Fund is sacred… we are very serious about… We take this very seriously.”
Ongoing Investigations and Next Steps
When asked if other officials are also under scrutiny, Caunan responded, “What we can say is that I think there is an investigation already…” Meanwhile, the DMW Secretary confirmed that the president has been briefed on the matter and that “there will be a corresponding case to be filed in the appropriate office or authority.”
The investigation into the alleged anomalous P1.4-billion land acquisition is ongoing, with authorities committed to ensuring accountability and safeguarding the interests of overseas Filipino workers.
For more updates on overseas Filipino workers welfare, visit Filipinokami.com.