DMW official removed over P1.4B unauthorized land deal

Initial investigations show that the P1.4-billion unauthorized land acquisition deal under the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) did not affect the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) trust fund, a Palace official said on Monday.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed during a press briefing at Malacañang that OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio was removed from his post after spending public funds on land acquisition for a facility intended for repatriated overseas Filipino workers.

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac emphasized that the project was not approved by the department and stressed that the government does not need its own lodging facility for OFWs.

Castro reiterated that all aspects of the deal are still under investigation, and any officials involved will face appropriate action, including suspension or dismissal.

The OWWA Trust Fund, established under Republic Act No. 10801, is strictly regulated to serve the welfare of member-OFWs and their families and cannot be used to augment expenditures by other government agencies.