DMW files plunder, graft vs Ignacio over P1.4B land deal

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) filed plunder and graft charges against former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio, his two deputy administrators, and six individuals involved in an unauthorized P1.4-billion land deal.

Filed before the Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday, the complaint accused Ignacio and others of malversation of public funds over the purchase of a 1.5-hectare property near Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in September 2024.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said that the land acquisition was unsuitable for development due to its proximity to the airport runway and that OWWA's board did not authorize the contract, deed of sale, or supplemental agreement.

Vouchers and checks were signed prior to the deed of sale, raising further questions about the legitimacy of the transaction.

Ignacio, who was removed from his position in May for loss of trust related to this deal, denied any wrongdoing and profiting from it.

Cacdac emphasized that these charges align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s call during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) for upholding integrity in public service.