Arnell Ignacio Defends OWWA’s P1.4-B Land Deal, Calls It a Legacy for OFWs

When news broke about a P1.4-billion land acquisition by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), many eyebrows were raised. But according to former OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio, the transaction was far from shady, and definitely not rushed.

Speaking in a press conference in Quezon City, Ignacio laid out the timeline of the project, saying discussions started way back in 2018, during his time as deputy administrator. Back then, he even brought up the issue in the Senate, asking for more flexibility in how OWWA funds could be used.

He emphasized that they didn’t act alone. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) was involved, giving them advice on how to legally adjust the use of funds. According to Ignacio, every step of the process was done by the book. A Special Allotment Release Order was secured, and a thorough review was conducted by a technical working group formed under then-chairperson, Secretary Hans Cacdac.

The property in question, a 6,499-square-meter lot near NAIA Terminal 1, was intended as a halfway house for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Ignacio stressed that the project went through the proper valuation process, with Land Bank assessing the land. Their valuation exactly matched what OWWA ended up paying. He also mentioned that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines gave the necessary clearance.

Despite following all procedures, Ignacio said he was shocked when the deal was suddenly called "anomalous." He described it as a legacy project, something meant to benefit OFWs in the long run. He seemed disheartened that instead of seeing the project completed, it’s now caught in controversy.

He addressed OFWs directly during his statement, assuring them he didn’t pocket a single peso from the deal. “I did this out of love for you,” he said, adding that all records and valuations were transparent.

However, things took a turn when Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac revealed that Ignacio had been removed from his post for going through with the land purchase without full board approval. The Palace has since confirmed that investigations are underway. But for now, early findings suggest that the OWWA trust fund itself wasn't used improperly.

While the project’s future remains uncertain, one thing’s clear, Ignacio is standing by his belief that this was a project meant to serve, not to steal.