Ombudsman says DMW may appeal dismissal of raps vs. ex-OWWA exec

The Office of the Ombudsman said the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) may appeal the dismissal of plunder, malversation, and graft complaints against former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration official Arnaldo "Arnell" Ignacio over the alleged anomalous P1.4-billion land deal.

The Ombudsman was referring to the complaints filed by DMW chief Hans Cacdac against Ignacio, his two former deputies, and six individuals involving the purchase of a 1.5-hectare property near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in September 2024.

A halfway house for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) was supposed to be constructed on the site, but DMW said the property's proximity to the airport runway made it unsuitable for development.

“The DMW has 10 days to file its motion for reconsideration upon receipt of the resolution,” the Ombudsman said.

The resolution was reported on July 12, but it was unclear whether that was also the date the resolution was issued.

In its complaint, the DMW also said that the OWWA’s board of directors was not consulted by Ignacio and did not authorize the contract to sell, the deed of sale, and the supplemental agreement in connection with the purchase of the property.

Vouchers and checks were also signed before the deed of sale, DMW Secretary Cacdac said.

The Ombudsman, however, has indicted Ignacio for the lesser crime of usurpation of official functions.

Ignacio has denied committing any wrongdoing.—LDF, GMA News