UNIFIL-Migrante Hong Kong (HK) urged the Marcos regime to immediately investigate former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrator Arnel Ignacio for embezzling OFW funds. According to the group, “the OWWA fund is for service and protection, not for corruption. OWWA must release a full audit and show where the funds for OFWs are being allocated. All those involved deserve punishment and imprisonment.”

Department of Migrant Workers secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated on May 16 that Ignacio was removed from his position because of “loss of trust and confidence” after he anomalously purchased land worth ₱1.4 billion without informing the OWWA Board of Trustees.

Purchased in September, the land was supposedly for Filipino migrants’ housing. Cacdac expressed OWWA had no need to purchase land for this purpose.

According to UNIFIL-Migrante HK, this was not the first time Ignacio squandered OWWA funds. They said that Ignacio also rented an entire floor in a building located in Chinese territory for HK$6 million to serve as OFW Global. Despite this, getting direct assistance to OFWs facing problems remained very difficult.

Aside from the corruption case, Ignacio also displayed arrogance and a lack of interest in helping migrants who sought assistance from the agency.

“We do not forget how former OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio belittled the hardships experienced by OFWs in Hong Kong. We do not forget that ‘entertainment’ was more important to Ignacio than providing direct service to OFWs. We do not forget how Ignacio blamed OFWs who found themselves in danger and guilt-tripped us for the government aid we receive.”

“This should also warn other OWWA and DMW officials who do not provide proper service and prioritize only their own interests,” added UNIFIL-Migrante HK.