DMW Files Plunder, Graft, Malversation Charges Against Ex‑OWWA Chief Ignacio Over ₱1.4 B Land Deal
The charges include violations of the Anti‑Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019), the Plunder Law (RA 7080), and Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code for malversation of public funds. The deal involved purchasing a 1.5-hectare property near NAIA Terminal 1 in September 2024, intended for use as a halfway house for returning OFWs.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac highlighted several irregularities: the OWWA Board of Trustees was not consulted nor authorized the sale, and crucial documents—including vouchers and checks—were approved even before the Deed of Absolute Sale was executed. Additionally, a portion of the transaction's value—estimated at around ₱97 million—was allegedly attributed to the inclusion of 52 'ghost' condominium units that do not exist.
Ignacio had already been removed from office in May 2025 due to 'loss of trust and confidence,' as the deal bypassed board approval on multiple crucial matters.
He has since denied any wrongdoing, stating the deal was undertaken transparently and was intended to benefit OFWs. Ignacio claimed the board was aware of the negotiations, although DMW maintains it was only informed post‑completion.
The ongoing investigation is now being coordinated with the Commission on Audit and the Department of Justice, with DMW indicating that civil damage claims may also be pursued.
Ignacio's ouster prompted the appointment of Patricia Yvonne Caunan as the new OWWA chief, tasked with restoring institutional integrity.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
7 hours ago
- Gulf Today
CBUAE imposes financial sanction of Dhs10.7 million on exchange house
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) imposed a financial sanction of Dhs10,700,000 on an exchange house, pursuant to Article (14) of the Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations, and its amendments. The financial sanction has been imposed after assessing the findings of an examination conducted by the CBUAE, which revealed that the exchange house failed to comply with the AML/CFT policies and procedures and Sanctions obligation. The CBUAE, through its supervisory and regulatory mandates, endeavours to ensure that all exchange houses, their owners, and staff abide by the UAE laws, regulations and standards established by the CBUAE to maintain transparency and integrity of the exchange houses industry and safeguard the UAE financial ecosystem. WAM
Al Etihad
12 hours ago
- Al Etihad
UAE Central Bank imposes financial sanction of Dh10.7 million on exchange house
1 Aug 2025 13:06 ABU DHABI (WAM)The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) imposed a financial sanction of Dh10,700,000 on an exchange house, pursuant to Article (14) of the Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations, and its financial sanction has been imposed after assessing the findings of an examination conducted by the CBUAE, which revealed that the exchange house failed to comply with the AML/CFT policies and procedures and Sanctions obligation. The CBUAE, through its supervisory and regulatory mandates, endeavours to ensure that all exchange houses, their owners, and staff abide by the UAE laws, regulations and standards established by the CBUAE to maintain transparency and integrity of the exchange houses industry and safeguard the UAE financial ecosystem.
Gulf Today
12 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Pakistan jails nearly 200 leaders and members of ex-PM Imran's party for 2023 riots
In a major development, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Thursday sentenced 196 Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders including several leading lights and workers to ten years' imprisonment and acquitted 88 others in three cases of May 9, 2023 vandalism of military installations in Faisalabad. The accused include leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, leader of the opposition in the Senate Shibli Faraz and female lawmaker Zartaj Gul. The ATC sentenced 108 individuals of the total 185 accused, which also included Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief MP Sahibzada Hamid Raza, who has been handed 10 years imprisonment. From L to R: Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz and Zartaj Gul. File photo The court also acquitted former information minister Fawad Chaudhry, son of PTI Vice President Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Zain Qureshi, and Khayal Kastro. The three cases had been registered for attacking a police van, and civil lines and Ghulam Muhammadabad police stations. "The prosecution has proved its case against the accused without a shadow of doubt," it said in announcing the sentences. PTI founder and former PM Imran Khan, who has been in prison since 2023 facing charges of corruption, land fraud and disclosure of official secrets, is being tried separately on similar charges related to the riot. The government accuses him and other leaders of inciting the May 9, 2023, protests, during which demonstrators attacked military and government buildings, including the army headquarters in Rawalpindi. He denies wrongdoing and says all the cases are politically motivated as part of a military-backed crackdown to dismantle his party. The military denies it. Imran Khan's arrest had prompted the countrywide violent protests. Thursday's ruling does not directly affect the incitement case against him in which prosecution is still presenting witnesses. The PTI party said it will challenge the verdict. The ruling is the third such mass conviction this month; Khan's party says they have included at least 14 of its parliamentarians. They will lose their seats in parliament under Pakistani laws, which will shred Khan's opposition party's strength. Another 77 were acquitted for lack of evidence in the latest verdict, which is linked to an attack on the office of an intelligence agency in eastern city of Faisalabad, the court said. The party plans new protests starting on August 5, the second anniversary of Khan's jailing, to demand his release.
