Ex-OWWA administrator Arnell Ignacio indicted in P1.4 billion land deal
The Office of the Ombudsman has indicted former Overseas Worker Welfare Administration administrator Arnell Ignacio for usurpation over anomalies linked to a P1.4 billion land acquisition.
To recall, Ignacio was dismissed as OWWA administrator on May 21, 2025 over "loss of trust" due to anomalies in the land transaction deal for supposed dormitory-type accommodation for OFWs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.
In a news release, Department of Migrant Workers Sec. Hans Leo Cacdac said that the agency received a resolution from the Ombudsman, which found that Ignacio signed the contract to sell, deed of absolute sale, and its addendum. It added that Ignacio approved the disbursement of public funds "without authority from the OWWA Board of Trustees."
"The finding of the Ombudsman is to charge the former administrator with usurpation of official functions under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code," Cacdac said.
The Ombudsman further said that Ignacio acted "despite knowing he had no such authority," which constitutes the crime of usurpation of official functions.
It also found that the failure to secure approval from OWWA's Board bypassed institutional oversight and transparency required under its charter.
Usurpation of official functions is a criminal offense that may be meted out with a six-month to four-year imprisonment.
OWWA to file motion for reconsideration
The DMW said it will file a motion for reconsideration before the Ombudsman over the dismissed graft and plunder complaint against Ignacio and others. It seeks to establish two important elements: the alleged undue advantage given to the seller and the damage of prejudice caused to the government.
"One is hindi dumaan sa Board. Unude haste. Minadali," Cacdac said.
"There were checks issued to the seller about 12 or almost two weeks before the signing of the absolute deed of sale," he added, presenting two checks amounting to a total of P1.4 billion dated Aug. 30, 2024.
The deed of absolute sale, meanwhile, was signed on Sept. 12, 2024. The seller acknowledged receiving the payment a day before, on Sept. 11.
Cacdac also seeks to raise the issue of 51 condo units valued at P97 million that were included in the P1.4 billion purchase price. The titles for the units were issued in the name of the Republic of the Philippines through OWWA.
However, an inspection by the current OWWA administration found that the condominium structures were no longer found at the site, with photos suggesting a demolition took place.
"The point here is that the government paid for condominium units that no longer exist. That is the damage. That is the prejudicial part to the government," Cacdac said. "Bakit giniba? Bakit nawala? Bakit binayaran na biglang nawala?"
Ignacio was appointed OWWA chief in 2022 and was replaced by Patricia Yvonne Caunan in May 2025.
He has since denied the allegations, maintaining that the land deal went through the proper process.