MALACANANG announced Wednesday the dismissal of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Deputy Administrator Emma Sinclair in connection with an alleged anomalous P1.4 billion land acquisition deal. The announcement was made by Palace Press Secretary Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro during a press briefing.
Castro stated that Sinclair’s dismissal, along with that of former OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio, stemmed from a loss of trust and confidence related to the controversial land purchase. “Aside from [Arnell Ignacio], there is another one, Deputy Administrator Emma Sinclair. Both were fired; they were not asked to resign,” Castro said.
The Palace official emphasized that this action serves as a warning to all public servants to diligently fulfill their duties. Ignacio has previously indicated his intention to address the matter in an appropriate forum. GMA News Online has attempted to contact Sinclair for comment, but has yet to receive a response.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is currently investigating the land deal, which reportedly lacked authorization from the OWWA board. The DMW is gathering information before filing charges against those involved.
The P1.4 billion land purchase, initiated under Ignacio’s leadership, was intended to establish a halfway house or dormitory for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) near Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, according to OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PJ” Caunan. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed that the department is still reviewing the viability of the project.
