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Advocates Philippines
DMW Files Graft Charges Over Questionable P1.4-B Land Deal Involving Former OWWA Officials
Photo credit: OWWA
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has formally filed anti-graft and corruption charges against three former top officials of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), along with six private individuals, over a controversial P1.4-billion land acquisition deal.
According to DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, the complaint—filed before the Office of the Ombudsman on July 29, 2025—underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address, which emphasized the need for integrity in public service.
“This is about enforcing the laws that ensure public officials are held accountable. We are taking firm action on what transpired in this case,” said Cacdac.
Among those charged are former OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio, two of his former deputy administrators, and six individuals linked to the seller group. They face multiple charges, including violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019), the Anti-Plunder Act (RA 7080), and Malversation of Public Funds under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code.
The charges stem from OWWA’s purchase of a 1.5-hectare property near Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in September 2024, intended to be developed into a halfway house for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). However, the land was later found to be unsuitable for construction due to its close proximity to the airport runway.
Further investigation revealed that key procedures were bypassed: OWWA’s board of directors had not approved or authorized the deal, nor had they been consulted on the contract to sell, deed of sale, or the supplemental agreement tied to the acquisition.
Cacdac also noted that several financial documents, including checks and vouchers, had been signed even before the official transfer of the property, raising additional red flags that will support the case.
While the current focus is on criminal proceedings, the DMW stated that civil charges may be pursued in the future to recover losses. Secretary Cacdac added that the department is now working closely with current OWWA Administrator Atty. Patricia Yvonne Caunan to strengthen internal processes and build safeguards to prevent similar abuses of authority moving forward.
“This is not just about legal action,” Cacdac said, “It’s about restoring trust and making sure that every peso of public money is spent with integrity and in service of our OFWs.”
According to DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, the complaint—filed before the Office of the Ombudsman on July 29, 2025—underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address, which emphasized the need for integrity in public service.
“This is about enforcing the laws that ensure public officials are held accountable. We are taking firm action on what transpired in this case,” said Cacdac.
Among those charged are former OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio, two of his former deputy administrators, and six individuals linked to the seller group. They face multiple charges, including violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019), the Anti-Plunder Act (RA 7080), and Malversation of Public Funds under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code.
The charges stem from OWWA’s purchase of a 1.5-hectare property near Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in September 2024, intended to be developed into a halfway house for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). However, the land was later found to be unsuitable for construction due to its close proximity to the airport runway.
Further investigation revealed that key procedures were bypassed: OWWA’s board of directors had not approved or authorized the deal, nor had they been consulted on the contract to sell, deed of sale, or the supplemental agreement tied to the acquisition.
Cacdac also noted that several financial documents, including checks and vouchers, had been signed even before the official transfer of the property, raising additional red flags that will support the case.
While the current focus is on criminal proceedings, the DMW stated that civil charges may be pursued in the future to recover losses. Secretary Cacdac added that the department is now working closely with current OWWA Administrator Atty. Patricia Yvonne Caunan to strengthen internal processes and build safeguards to prevent similar abuses of authority moving forward.
“This is not just about legal action,” Cacdac said, “It’s about restoring trust and making sure that every peso of public money is spent with integrity and in service of our OFWs.”
Jul 29, 2025
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