The Office of the Ombudsman has indicted former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator Arnaldo ‘Arnell’ Ignacio for usurpation of official functions in connection with OWWA’s ₱1.4-billion property acquisition, while the Department of Migrant Workers said it will seek reconsideration of the dismissal of related corruption complaints.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the DMW received the Ombudsman’s resolution on July 7. The resolution, dated June 19, found probable cause to charge Ignacio with usurpation of official functions under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code.
According to the Ombudsman, Ignacio signed the contract to sell, deed of absolute sale and related documents, and approved the disbursement of public funds without authorization from the OWWA Board of Trustees.
The Ombudsman said the former administrator acted as if he had authority from the board despite allegedly knowing he had none, adding that the act went beyond a mere administrative lapse and constituted a criminal offense.
The resolution directed the filing of an information against Ignacio before the proper court.
The Ombudsman, however, dismissed the complaints for alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, malversation of public funds and plunder against the former OWWA officials and private sellers involved in the transaction.
Cacdac said the DMW will file a motion for reconsideration, arguing that the resolution did not fully address evidence submitted by the department.
The DMW said it intends to reiterate two key issues: the alleged undue advantage given to the seller and the alleged injury to the government.
According to Cacdac, the department found that two Land Bank checks totaling about ₱1.4 billion were issued to the seller on Aug. 30, 2024, or nearly two weeks before the deed of absolute sale was signed on Sept. 12, 2024.
The secretary also questioned the inclusion of 51 condominium units valued at about ₱97 million in the purchase price, saying an inspection by the current OWWA administration found that the structures no longer existed despite titles having been issued in OWWA’s name.
“The government paid for condominium units that no longer exist. That is the damage. That is the prejudicial aspect of this transaction,” Cacdac said.
He said the DMW is pursuing all available legal remedies to protect public funds and ensure accountability in the use of welfare funds for overseas Filipino workers.
