Ex-OWWA chief Arnell Ignacio indicted over P1.4 billion land deal
The Philippine Ombudsman has ordered the filing of criminal charges against former OWWA administrator Arnell Ignacio for usurpation of official functions. The charges stem from a P1.4-billion property deal allegedly executed without proper board authorization.
Why it matters
This case highlights issues of government accountability and the legal consequences of bypassing institutional oversight in public fund management.
MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of a usurpation of official functions charge against former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration administrator Arnaldo "Arnell" Ignacio over a P1.4-billion property deal that allegedly bypassed the agency's board, the Department of Migrant Workers said.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the department received on July 7 the Ombudsman's June 19 resolution on the OWWA property acquisition.
"The finding of the Ombudsman is to charge the former administrator with usurpation of official functions under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code," Cacdac said at a press briefing.
According to the DMW, the Ombudsman found that Ignacio signed the contract to sell, deed of absolute sale and addendum, then approved the release of public funds without the required authority from the OWWA Board of Trustees.
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