Cacdac: Motion for Reconsideration to highlight undue advantage, government damage in OWWA property deal

📷: Former OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it will seek reconsideration of the Ombudsman’s ruling that indicted former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio for usurpation of official functions but dismissed graft and plunder complaints tied to the agency’s ₱1.4‑billion property deal.

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac confirmed Saturday that the Department received the Ombudsman resolution dated June 19, 2026, which found Ignacio signed contracts and approved disbursements without authority from the OWWA Board of Trustees.

“What we plan to do is to file a Motion for Reconsideration because, in our view, the Resolution did not pass upon details that we submitted to the honorable Office of the Ombudsman,” Cacdac said. “We wish for the honorable Office of the Ombudsman to review these matters.”

Cacdac said the motion will highlight two points: alleged undue advantage to the seller and damage to government.

On undue advantage, he noted that checks worth ₱1.4 billion were issued on August 30, 2024, nearly two weeks before the deed of sale was signed. “One is hindi dumaan sa Board. Undue haste. Minadali. Hindi dinaan sa OWWA Board,” he said.

On damage to government, Cacdac cited 51 condominium units valued at ₱97 million that were included in the purchase price but later found demolished. “The point here is the government paid for condominium units that no longer exist. That is the damage. That is the prejudicial part to the government,” he said.

Cacdac stressed the filing is part of the Department’s responsibility to safeguard public funds. “This is nothing personal to any of the parties. We are duty‑bound to file this Motion for Reconsideration,” he stated.

He added that the DMW respects the Ombudsman’s constitutional authority and will abide by its final ruling.# (ZIA LUNA)