A P1.4-billion government land purchase meant to help overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) is now under fire—and the questions keep piling up. The deal, intended for a halfway house to support returning OFWs, has sparked concerns over transparency, legal procedures, and whether the money could have been better spent.
What Went Wrong?
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is now digging into the transaction after whistleblowers within OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) flagged possible irregularities. The biggest red flag? The OWWA Board—the group legally required to approve such deals—was kept in the dark.
Former OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio was removed from his post after failing to explain why the purchase bypassed proper channels. Internal reports claim Ignacio and Deputy Administrator Emma Sinclair pushed the deal through without board approval.
But that’s not all. The seller allegedly skipped out on tax obligations and passed on the burden of relocating informal settlers—costs that should have been settled before the sale.
Where Did the Money Come From?
Here’s another twist: The P1.4 billion didn’t even come from OWWA’s trust fund (which is filled by OFW contributions). Instead, it was drawn from the national budget, raising eyebrows about why such a large sum was spent without proper oversight.
What Happens Now?
With Ignacio out, newly appointed OWWA chief Patricia Caunan has launched a full investigation. DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac has vowed a “no sacred cows” approach, promising accountability if wrongdoing is found.
Meanwhile, the government is reconsidering whether a halfway house is still the best use of the funds. Alternatives like educational grants for OFW families are now on the table.
Why This Matters
For OFWs and their families, this isn’t just about bureaucratic missteps—it’s about trust. Every peso mishandled is a peso taken away from programs meant to protect and support overseas workers. Transparency isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s the bare minimum.
As the probe continues, one thing is clear: Someone needs to answer for how this deal went down—and OFWs deserve the truth.
