DMW probes P1.4B land deal, ex-OWWA chief Ignacio allegedly pocketed P84M

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is investigating a P1.4-billion land acquisition deal allegedly initiated by former OWWA chief Arnell Ignacio, which led to his dismissal.

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac confirmed Ignacio's involvement in the transaction that allegedly bypassed the OWWA Board of Trustees.

Cacdac first learned of the deal in October 2024, initially concerning tax issues, before investigating compliance with the OWWA Charter.

Ignacio himself presented a letter of complaint about the deal to Cacdac, who then initiated a deeper probe.

The investigation is examining allegations that Ignacio, Deputy Administrator Emma Sinclair, and others pocketed around P84 million from the anomalous transaction.

Payments have reportedly been made for the land acquisition.

Patricia Yvonne Caunan has replaced Ignacio as the new OWWA administrator.

The DMW is examining documents and interviewing personnel to understand how the transaction occurred without proper notification, and other OWWA officials may also be implicated.

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