Pasay City: Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced plans to file criminal and administrative charges against officials implicated in a questionable PHP1.4-billion land acquisition deal conducted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) without proper authorization.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac stated that "appropriate administrative and criminal cases will be filed against responsible OWWA officers who participated in the anomalous transactions." This statement followed the removal of former OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio from office due to "loss of trust and confidence" over significant procedural and substantive lapses.
The deal in question was executed without the required approval of the OWWA Board of Trustees, resulting in at least six critical violations of the OWWA Charter. These included the unauthorized use of PHP2.6 billion in emergency repatriation funds, the signing of a deed of absolute sale and addendum without board clearance, and other procedural breaches.
Additional violations involved undisclosed lease contracts, rental collections by a non-OWWA third party, and the demolition of a building with 52 condominium titles included in the property valuation. Despite full payment, OWWA reportedly did not gain full possession of the land.
Cacdac highlighted the mismanagement of funds intended for constructing a "halfway house" for returning OFWs, which he deems unnecessary and impractical. The statement also pointed out the questionable handling of PHP36 million and PHP1.4 million related to local transfer taxes and collected rent, respectively.
During a joint DMW-OWWA flag-raising ceremony in Pasay City, Cacdac emphasized the agency's commitment to clean governance and transparency in serving OFWs and their families. He acknowledged President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s efforts in promoting good governance under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda.
Cacdac expressed confidence in newly appointed OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, praising her integrity and dedication to OFWs. Caunan, in her remarks, vowed to restore OWWA's credibility through meaningful reforms and professional service, aligning with Secretary Cacdac's vision for a stronger DMW.
