FORMER Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrator Arnell Ignacio will face charges over a P1.4-billion land acquisition deal that did not go through the proper approval process, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac said on Friday.
Cacdac said the project, which was supposedly meant to provide accommodation for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), was entered into without the knowledge or approval of the OWWA Board of Trustees as required by law.
“Yes. I reported it to the President and yes there will be corresponding case to be filed in the appropriate office or authority,” he said.
Cacdac also confirmed that Ignacio did not resign but was removed from office due to loss of trust and confidence over the controversial deal.
“Former administrator Ignacio did not resign from office. He was removed and replaced,” he said.
“He did not… inform the Board on at least six counts, on six matters, surrounding the P1.4 land acquisition deal,” Cacdac added.
The deal was finalized in September 2024, but Cacdac said planning began as early as September 2023. “Pinlano na nila noong September 2023, and then ‘yung land acquisition, deed of sale, absolute sale, September 2024,” he said.
Cacdac also questioned the necessity of the project, saying the private sector could have provided the needed facilities.
“Dapat kinonsulta muna niya ang OWWA Board doon pa lang kasi ako mismo, pagsasabihan ko siya na di kailangan ‘yun because the private sector can secure mga accommodation requirements kung mayroong kailangang i-billet na OFWs,” he said.
Ignacio was replaced by DMW Undersecretary Patricia Caunan.
