Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac confirmed that former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio had not resigned, but rather had been removed from his post due to an allegedly anomalous P1.4-billion land acquisition deal.
In a statement to GMA News Online on Friday, Cacdac revealed that Ignacio was ousted on the grounds of “loss of trust and confidence.” He stressed that the controversial real estate transaction was carried out without approval from the OWWA Board of Trustees — a direct violation of the agency’s rules.
“Former administrator Ignacio did not resign from office. He was removed and replaced on the count of loss of trust and confidence due to an anomalous P1.4 billion land acquisition deal that did not go through the OWWA Board of Trustees on at least six counts,” said Cacdac.
The land acquisition was intended for a dormitory-type accommodation facility for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) near NAIA Terminal 1. Cacdac emphasized that such a facility was unnecessary, and the private sector could have handled such needs.
“The Board was not consulted. I myself would’ve told him it wasn’t necessary,” he added.
Cacdac said the deal was planned in September 2023 and formally executed in September 2024. He also confirmed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has been informed of the matter.
When asked if Ignacio could face charges, Cacdac responded affirmatively. “Yes, there will be a corresponding case to be filed in the appropriate office or authority,” he said.
On Friday, DMW Undersecretary Patricia Caunan officially took her oath as the new OWWA administrator. At the Saturday News Forum, Caunan said an internal audit would be conducted, with assistance from the Department of Justice and the Commission on Audit.
She assured the public that the controversial P1.4-billion fund did not come from the OFW trust fund, which remains untouched. “The OFW Fund is sacred. We are very serious about protecting it,” she said.
In a phone interview, Ignacio declined to comment and said he would address the issue in the proper forum.
The DMW investigation is ongoing.