Graft Complaints Filed This Week Against Arnell Ignacio and Others
MANILA, Philippines — Graft complaints will be filed this week against former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrator Arnell Ignacio and other officials over an alleged unauthorized P1.4-billion land deal, local leaders said.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed the graft complaints will be lodged before the Office of the Ombudsman. “We are slated to file the Ombudsman case this week for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019),” he said in an ambush interview before the fourth State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Details on the Alleged Unauthorized Land Deal
Cacdac explained that the complaint will target Ignacio, two former deputy administrators, and private sector individuals involved as sellers. “We are filing a case against the former administrator, two deputy administrators, and a private sector, the sellers of the indispensable parties,” he added.
The DMW chief also hinted that more individuals might be implicated as the investigation continues. He promised to disclose further details once the complaint is formally filed.
Loss of Trust Leads to Removal of Ignacio
Arnell Ignacio was earlier removed from his post due to “loss of trust and confidence” related to this controversial land acquisition, sources noted. The DMW emphasized that the OWWA board never authorized the land deal in question.
The disputed property was intended to become an accommodation center or halfway house for overseas Filipino workers. However, Cacdac expressed doubts about the necessity of the project, suggesting it was an unwarranted transaction.
This case highlights ongoing efforts to promote transparency and accountability within government agencies tasked with assisting overseas Filipino workers.
For more news and updates on graft complaints filed this week, visit Filipinokami.com.
