Mandaluyong City: Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized that no individual will be exempt from the ongoing investigation into the PHP1.4-billion land acquisition by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). This transaction, scrutinized for accountability and public trust, involves a controversial land deal near Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 intended for a halfway house project for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac highlighted in an interview during the Philippine-Czech Republic Friendship Week event that the DMW is closely examining procedural lapses and unauthorized actions in the land purchase. The transaction, undertaken during the tenure of former OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio, reportedly bypassed the approval of the OWWA Board of Trustees, raising concerns about multiple violations.

Despite having submitted a report to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Cacdac indicated the investigation is ongoing. He acknowledged that the scenario has changed with Patricia Yvonne Caunan, the new OWWA administrator, who was sworn in on Friday. The DMW plans to delve further into the transaction details, reviewing documents and engaging with personnel to understand the absence of formal or informal notices regarding the deal.

Cacdac noted that with Caunan’s leadership, there is greater liberty to deepen the investigation. He has instructed her to safeguard the OWWA Trust Fund, sourced from OFW contributions, and ensure proper allocation of national budget resources. Malaca±ang reported initial findings indicating that the trust fund remains intact and has not been used in the property transaction.