Former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Arnell Ignacio has broken his silence over the controversial ₱1.4-billion land acquisition deal that allegedly led to his removal from office.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, May 23, Ignacio insisted that the transaction was legal, transparent, and intended to benefit overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
“Hindi ko kayo pinagtaksilan,” said Ignacio, addressing OFWs directly. “Ginawa ko lang ito para sa inyong pagmamahal at wala po akong kinita dito.”
The property in question is a 6,499-square meter lot near NAIA Terminal 1, envisioned to serve as a dedicated OWWA facility and “paradise” for OFWs, according to Ignacio. He said the idea was proposed as early as 2018 during his previous stint as OWWA deputy administrator.
“This is a project that we can consider a legacy for our OFWs,” he said. “Ang lupang ito ay katapat lamang ng Terminal 1… paraiso sana nila.”
Ignacio asserted that the acquisition process underwent proper channels, including coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and approval of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO). He said the deal was brought before the OWWA board as part of a report, and that Land Bank of the Philippines—a government financial institution—handled the land valuation.
“Walang nakitang iniliban na hakbang,” he said, referring to the internal technical working group formed by then-chairman and current Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
The acquisition was reportedly aligned with Republic Act 10752, or the Right-of-Way Act, which governs the acquisition of property for national infrastructure projects.
However, Secretary Hans Cacdac contested Ignacio’s claims. In a statement to Rappler, he clarified that the OWWA Board of Trustees was not informed until after the deed of sale was finalized and the title transferred—a breach of governance protocol under the OWWA Charter.
“Tapos na, nalipat na ‘yung titulo, na-sign na ‘yung deed of absolute sale bago pumunta sa board,” said Cacdac.
He further said that at least six key components of the transaction were carried out without prior board approval, including:
- Use of emergency repatriation funds converted to capital outlay
- Signing of the deed of sale and deed of donation
- Tax and rent refunds to the seller
- Demolition of existing buildings on the property
These, Cacdac added, are grounds for administrative and possibly legal charges, regardless of whether or not any money was pocketed.
While Ignacio maintains that his intentions were pure and the deal followed proper procedures, critics and watchdogs point out procedural lapses and governance failures. He emphasized, however, that he is open to scrutiny and remains transparent.
“I hope all the questions you have in mind ay nasasagot na ng aking narrative,” he said.
As of writing, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is preparing to file appropriate charges in connection with the transaction.
