DMW files plunder, graft raps vs ex-OWWA chief

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac confirmed on Tuesday, 29 July, that formal complaints have been filed before the Office of the Ombudsman against former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio.

The charges include violations of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Republic Act No. 7080 or the Act Penalizing the Crime of Plunder, and Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code for Malversation of Public Funds and Property.

Cacdac said six individuals were involved in the complaint, including three public officials and a group of sellers.

“We filed this case against the former administrator and the two former deputy administrators, as well as the private sellers of the property,” Cacdac said.

The DMW Secretary also revealed that the investigation and interviews with OWWA personnel uncovered other irregularities, including vouchers and checks that were signed before the deed of sale was executed.

“That’s among the other things that completely bolstered and supported our case. And again, there are a few other details that were unearthed, but this is the biggest one that we unearthed in the course of our investigation.”

Ignacio was removed from his post in May amid controversy surrounding the anomalous P1.4 billion land acquisition deal intended for the accommodation of overseas Filipino workers near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, which Cacdac deemed unnecessary, citing the availability of nearby hotels that can serve the same purpose.

In the same month, Ignacio asserted that the P1.4 billion land acquisition deal was not a “last-minute” decision but a project initiated in early 2018 that went through standard procedures.

Ignacio was replaced by then-DMW Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation Patricia Yvonne Caunan.