ARNELL Ignacio, former administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), has been removed from his post due to a loss of trust and confidence, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac announced on Friday.
The decision stems from a P1.4 billion land acquisition deal that allegedly bypassed the OWWA Board of Trustees.
Secretary Cacdac stated that Ignacio was not permitted to resign, but rather was dismissed.
“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,” Cacdac told GMA News Online.
He emphasized that the law mandates board approval for such a significant transaction, and Ignacio failed to secure this authorization on multiple occasions.
The land acquisition, intended to provide accommodations for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), was deemed unnecessary by Cacdac.
“He should have consulted the OWWA Board first, because I myself would have told him it wasn’t necessary because the private sector can secure accommodation requirements if there are OFWs needing to be billeted,” Cacdac explained. The deal was finalized in September 2024, though planning reportedly began in September 2023.
Secretary Cacdac confirmed that Ignacop will face charges related to the matter, and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has been informed.
“Yes. I report it to the President and yes there will be corresponding cases to be filed in the appropriate office or authority,” Cacdac stated. DMW Undersecretary Patricia Caunan has been appointed as Ignacio’s replacement. GMA News Online has reached out to Ignacio for comment but has yet to receive a response.
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