MANILA, Philippines — A top Philippine migrant workers official was ousted Friday after allegedly bypassing board approval for a controversial 1.4-billion-peso land acquisition deal, marking a significant administrative shakeup in the government’s overseas workers agency.
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac announced the removal of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio, citing a “loss of trust and confidence” stemming from an unauthorized land purchase.
Cacdac told reporters that Ignacio failed to secure mandatory board authorization for the September 2024 land deal, which was purportedly intended to provide accommodation for overseas Filipino workers.
“He did not inform the Board on at least six critical matters surrounding this land acquisition,” Cacdac emphasized, questioning the necessity of the purchase when private sector options exist for worker housing.
The secretary stated that the project’s initial planning dated back to September 2023, with the final land sale occurring in September 2024. Cacdac confirmed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has been briefed on the matter and potential legal consequences are forthcoming.
DMW Undersecretary Patricia Caunan has been appointed to replace Ignacio, effective immediately. (sources: GMA News, Philippine News Agency)
