OWWA ex-admin denies wrongdoing in P1.4B land deal

Former Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) administrator Arnel Ignacio denied any wrongdoing in a P1.4-billion land deal during his tenure but faced further allegations from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Ignacio claimed that all requirements were followed and confirmed by technical working groups, including assessments from LandBank and permits from CAAP, expressing shock over allegations against him.

However, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac stated that Ignacio signed the Deed of Absolute Sale in September 2024 without prior approval from the OWWA Board, a violation of Section 22 of the OWWA Charter.

Cacdac also revealed that Ignacio failed to disclose several key details, including amendments made to the deed and existing tenants on the property, which resulted in OWWA unknowingly becoming a landlord.

The DMW and OWWA Board are now coordinating with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to review the tax implications of the transaction, questioning whether capital gains tax or value-added tax should have applied.

Questions remain over potential violations of the OWWA Charter, including the demolition of 52 condominium units on the property without disclosure to the Board.