Latest news with #OWWA
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
DMW Files Plunder, Graft, Malversation Charges Against Ex‑OWWA Chief Ignacio Over ₱1.4 B Land Deal
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) formally lodged criminal complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell 'Arnel' Ignacio, alongside his two former deputy administrators and six private individuals, concerning a controversial ₱1.4 billion land acquisition 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.
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
DMW files plunder raps vs ex-OWWA chief Arnell Ignacio, 8 others over land deal
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday filed plunder and graft charges against former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrator Arnell Ignacio and eight others over the controversial P1.4-billion land acquisition deal. Filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, the complaint also accused Ignacio, his two former deputies at OWWA, and six individuals who belong to the seller group of malversation of public funds. The DMW said the complaint stemmed from the purchase of a 1.5-hectare property near Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in September 2024, on which a halfway house for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) would be constructed. However, the DMW said that the property's close proximity to the airport runway made it unsuitable for development. The DMW added that OWWA's board of directors was not consulted and did not authorize the contract to sell, the deed of sale, and the supplemental agreement in connection with the purchase of the property. Vouchers and checks were also signed prior to the deed of sale, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said. Ignacio, who was removed from his post, denied in May that the land sale was anomalous and that he profited from it. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Pia Wurtzbach turns heads at Marcos' 4th SONA amid rumored rift with Heart Evangelista
Pia Wurtzbach surprised attendees at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) when she arrived at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday. The former Miss Universe, clad in an all-white modern terno, was seen waving to reporters as she entered with Py Caunan, the newly appointed administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Just last week, OWWA introduced Wurtzbach as its new ambassador. Based in Dubai since her marriage to travel entrepreneur Jeremy Jauncey, she recently visited Saudi Arabia to meet with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). She has been actively encouraging OFWs to secure their OWWA e-card for access to the agency's services and benefits. Her presence at this year's SONA quickly gained attention online, with many netizens commenting on her supposed rivalry with Heart Evangelista, a regular SONA attendee as the wife of Senate President Francis Escudero. Social media users speculated whether the two style icons crossed paths and began comparing their outfits. Evangelista previously denied having an issue with Wurtzbach, clarifying that she has 'never had a problem' with the beauty queen and even wished her 'nothing but the best.' Wurtzbach has also stated that she never intended to compete with anyone in the fashion scene, where Evangelista has long been a fixture.
Filipino Times
7 days ago
- Filipino Times
Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey is new OWWA ambassador; joins Serbisyo Caravan in Saudi
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has officially named Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey as its new ambassador. The Filipina beauty queen, currently based in Dubai with her husband Jeremy Jauncey, was chosen to help promote the government's programs and services for overseas Filipino workers. As part of her new role, Wurtzbach joined the 'Bagong Bayani ng Mundo: OFW Serbisyo Caravan' in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia earlier this month, which brought together 12 government agencies offering on-site services for Filipinos, including social security, health coverage, legal aid, and repatriation assistance. 'Al Khobar welcomed us with open hearts. Grateful to be part of the Serbisyo Caravan with [OWWA] and [LoveYourself]. Always a privilege to serve our fellow Filipinos abroad,' Wurtzbach wrote on Instagram following the visit. As a long-time ambassador of HIV advocacy group LoveYourself, Wurtzbach delivered a message on mental health awareness and self-care — topics that are often left undiscussed but, according to OWWA, are essential to the well-being of OFWs. She also visited the Bahay Kalinga Center in the host country, which serves as a temporary shelter for distressed OFWs undergoing repatriation or reintegration processes. Wurtzbach is also featured in OWWA's latest campaign urging overseas Filipinos to secure their e-Card, which serves as proof of active membership and provides easier access to government services. 'Si Pia nga, may OWWA e-Card na… Ikaw, papahuli ka ba?' OWWA said in a Facebook post. 'Bilang bagong OWWA Ambassador, hinihikayat ni Pia ang ating mga OFW na kunin na rin ang kanilang e-Card.' E-Cards are currently available at the DMW Center Building, OWWA NCR Regional Office, and the OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3, with more distribution sites to be opened soon.
GMA Network
21-07-2025
- GMA Network
Ilonggo seafarers who survive Red Sea attack return home
Three of four Ilonggo crew members of a cargo ship attacked by Houthi rebels at the Red Sea in Yemen have come home to Iloilo. Their families met them along with officials of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) 6 and Public Employment Service Office-Iloilo. One of them is Rodmel Canto from the Municipality of Oton, while the others are from San Miguel and Iloilo City. The Ilonggo crew members of MV Eternity C survived the attack on July 8, 2025. The fourth Ilonggo seafarer from San Miguel has chosen to stay in Metro Manila yet, as of this writing. However, the three Ilonggo seafarers refused GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas an interview. According to OWWA 6, they will continue to coordinate with the three for psychosocial counseling. Meanwhile, the search for four other crew members from Western Visayas who are among 13 missing persons continues, as of posting time.
