Charges Filed Against Former OWWA Officials Over Land Deal
MANILA, Philippines — Former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrator Arnell Ignacio and two other ex-officials face charges linked to a questionable P1.4-billion land acquisition deal, sources said. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) disclosed that the case targets these officials and six other individuals involved in the transaction.
The DMW confirmed that charges were filed on Tuesday before the Office of the Ombudsman. Ignacio, his two former deputy administrators, and members of the so-called “sellers group” are accused of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Anti-Plunder Act, and Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, which covers malversation of public funds.
Accountability Emphasized by Migrant Workers Secretary
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized the importance of accountability in public service, citing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call during his fourth State of the Nation Address. “This matter is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for accountability in public service, so clearly echoed in his Sona. And, of course to make sure that we enforce, we carry out, we implement the necessary laws governing accountability of public officials, as what has transpired in this case,” Cacdac stated.
Details of the Controversial Land Acquisition
The controversy arose from the purchase of a 1.5-hectare parcel near Ninoy Aquino International Airport last September. The land was intended for a halfway house to aid returning overseas Filipino workers, according to the DMW.
However, the property was later declared “unsuitable for development” due to its proximity to the airport runway. Further investigation revealed that the OWWA board of directors was neither consulted nor did it authorize the sale contract, deed of sale, or supplemental agreement tied to the purchase.
Cacdac highlighted that vouchers and checks related to the payment were signed even before the deed of sale was finalized. This irregularity raises serious concerns about the transaction’s legitimacy.
Possible Civil Charges and Reforms in the Pipeline
Following these findings, the DMW is exploring the possibility of filing civil charges to recover damages linked to the deal. Secretary Cacdac also mentioned plans to coordinate with current OWWA administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan to implement reforms and establish safeguards against similar cases.
Ignacio was appointed as OWWA administrator in 2022 by President Marcos but was removed in May amid the fallout from the disputed land deal.
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