THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is investigating whether other officials were involved in the allegedly anomalous P1.4-billion land acquisition deal under the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac revealed that the department is gathering information to determine the extent of the involvement beyond former OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio, who was recently dismissed.
Cacdac explained in an interview that the deal, intended for a halfway house near NAIA Terminal 1 for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), was approved by an internal OWWA committee without consulting the OWWA board.
“That’s something that we’re looking into now, the possibility that there were others involved,” Cacdac said. “The Board was replaced by a committee within the OWWA. The Board was not consulted about this project because this committee was formed.”
The DMW is focusing its investigation on determining who participated in the decision to bypass the board and proceed with the transaction, which contains aspects requiring further scrutiny.
The investigation follows the removal of Ignacio due to “loss of trust and confidence” stemming from the controversial land deal. Patricia Yvonne “PJ” Caunan has replaced Ignacio as OWWA administrator.
The DMW is currently reviewing whether the P1.4-billion can be recovered and whether the project itself should continue. Secretary Cacdac stated,
“That is also something we are still studying.” The ongoing investigation promises to shed light on the full extent of the alleged irregularities and determine accountability for the questionable land purchase.
metrosundaily
