Former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio maintained that the agency’s ₱1.4 billion land purchase was legitimate and free of irregularities.
Ignacio expressed surprise over the legal complaint filed against him regarding the land acquisition, which he said was already in discussion as early as 2018 when he was still serving as deputy administrator.
He, along with several OWWA officials, appeared at a Senate hearing to address the issue.
According to Ignacio, the transaction underwent proper procedures, including consultations with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
The land in question, located near Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, was appraised by LandBank and was granted necessary permits by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
The intended use of the property was to establish a temporary rest facility for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Ignacio reiterated that no anomalies were involved and all due processes were followed to ensure transparency and accountability in the land deal.