DMW investigates P1.4B land deal in OWWA scandal

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is investigating a P1.4-billion land acquisition deal that led to Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Arnell Ignacio's dismissal.

On Tuesday, May 20, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac stated during an event in Mandaluyong that the investigation will not spare anyone and aims to uncover procedural lapses and lack of proper authorization.

Cacdac added that multiple violations may have occurred during the land purchase near Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 for a halfway house project, which bypassed the OWWA Board of Trustees.

The DMW is still examining documents and interviewing personnel to determine why there was no formal or informal notice about this deal, with Undersecretary Claire Castro noting that an initial investigation found no impact on the OWWA Trust Fund.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Patricia Yvonne Caunan as the new OWWA administrator on Friday, May 16, and she has launched her own internal audit to further investigate the transaction.

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac directed Caunan to protect both the OWWA Trust Fund and national budget allocations while the investigation continues.