Here’s what fired Arnell Ignacio said about the controversial land deal.
Former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio explained the deal that got him fired.
Another official of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has been sacked due to an anomalous land deal worth Php 1.4 billion. Former OWWA administrator Arnell Ignacio was dismissed over an alleged unauthorized acquisition deal.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro revealed that Ignacio did not resign; he was removed because of the anomalies mentioned. Previously, deputy director Emma Sinclair was also removed.
After he was removed, Ignacio fell silent for days, and he was shocked by the allegations. At a press conference, he has broken his silence. According to him, he has worked with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), which, accordingly, provided guidance on how the funds could be legally modified.
“Sinunod namin ‘yung lahat ng mga requirements at ito ay nakapasa, nabigyan kami ng Special Allotment Release Order at nagtuloy-tuloy ang proseso hanggang sa na-aquire ang lupa,” he said.
It has undergone a process and was even checked by some technical working groups, and there was no irregularities were found at any stage of the process. The requirements were also complied with and ensured compliance with the Republic Act 10752.
“Kaya po ako gulat na gulat na tinawag itong anomalous deal. This is a project na we can consider a legacy project for our OFWs,” he said.
The land is measured 6,499-square-meter property located near NAIA Terminal 1, intended to become a halfway house for returning OFWs. Moreover, the Land Bank conducted the property valuation, and the amount paid by OWWA matched. A necessary permit was also secured from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
This is supposedly a legacy project they have for the OFWs. He also assured that he did not financially benefit from the project. To recall, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed his removal after the land was acquired without the approval from the OWWA Board.
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