The government of the Philippines has sacked Arnell Ignacio, the head of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), over a mounting scandal involving the suspected misuse of \\$25 million (₱1.4 billion) worth of public funds. Authorities have initiated a full-scale probe into what has come to be branded as an “unauthorised” land acquisition agreement.
Early reports show that the subject transaction, which was in doubt, was a massive land acquisition without official government clearance, which raises suspicions of procedural misconduct and corruption. The subject funds were allegedly allocated to the welfare of Filipino overseas workers (OFWs).
The ouster of OWWA head has been met with a backlash of reaction from worker groups and monitors, and these are now demanding increased transparency and accountability among agencies that deal with OFW funds. Most were alarmed that corruption of such critical funds will have a direct effect on support programs for overseas Filipino workers numbering millions.
The Philippine Senate and the competent oversight agencies have promised to seek accountability and retrieve any funds that have been used improperly. As the investigations heat up, the case is expected to become one of the most high-profile public fund scandals this year in the country.
