Arnell Ignacio says P1.4-B OWWA land deal went through proper process | ABS-CBN
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Arnell Ignacio says P1.4-B OWWA land deal went through proper process
Arnell Ignacio says P1.4-B OWWA land deal went through proper process
Former OWWA chief Arnell Ignacio says the controversial P1.4-billion land acquisiton deal had been under discussion since 2018. Izzy Lee, ABS-CBN News
Former OWWA chief Arnell Ignacio says the controversial P1.4-billion land acquisiton deal had been under discussion since 2018. Izzy Lee, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — Former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio said Friday that discussions on OWWA’s P1.4-billion land acquisition deal began as early as 2018 when he was still deputy administrator.
MANILA — Former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio said Friday that discussions on OWWA’s P1.4-billion land acquisition deal began as early as 2018 when he was still deputy administrator.
He said that it was even taken up in the Senate when he appealed for flexibility in the use of the funds.
He said that it was even taken up in the Senate when he appealed for flexibility in the use of the funds.
He added that they worked with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), which, he claimed, provided guidance on how the funds could be legally modified.
He added that they worked with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), which, he claimed, provided guidance on how the funds could be legally modified.
"Sinunod namin 'yung lahat ng mga requirements at ito ay nakapasa, nabigyan kami ng Special Allotment Release Order at nagtuloy-tuloy ang proseso hanggang sa na-aquire ang lupa," Ignacio said in a press conference in Quezon City.
"Sinunod namin 'yung lahat ng mga requirements at ito ay nakapasa, nabigyan kami ng Special Allotment Release Order at nagtuloy-tuloy ang proseso hanggang sa na-aquire ang lupa," Ignacio said in a press conference in Quezon City.
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"Ito po ay dinala namin sa board bilang report ng OWWA, at binusisi ng ilang technical working group, na binuo rin po ng aming Chairman na si Chairman Secretary Hans Cacdac," he added.
"Ito po ay dinala namin sa board bilang report ng OWWA, at binusisi ng ilang technical working group, na binuo rin po ng aming Chairman na si Chairman Secretary Hans Cacdac," he added.
Ignacio said no irregularities were found at any stage of the process, as all requirements were followed and they ensured compliance with Republic Act 10752.
Ignacio said no irregularities were found at any stage of the process, as all requirements were followed and they ensured compliance with Republic Act 10752.
"Kaya po ako gulat na gulat na tinawag itong anomalous deal. This is a project na we can consider a legacy project for our OFWs," he said.
"Kaya po ako gulat na gulat na tinawag itong anomalous deal. This is a project na we can consider a legacy project for our OFWs," he said.
Ignacio said the 6,499-square-meter property acquired by OWWA is located near NAIA Terminal 1 and is intended for a halfway house for returning OFWs. He noted that Land Bank conducted the property valuation, which matched the amount OWWA paid, and that the necessary permit was also secured from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
Ignacio said the 6,499-square-meter property acquired by OWWA is located near NAIA Terminal 1 and is intended for a halfway house for returning OFWs. He noted that Land Bank conducted the property valuation, which matched the amount OWWA paid, and that the necessary permit was also secured from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
"This is a project na we can consider a legacy project for our OFWs. Ang nakakalungkot imbis na papunta na tayo dun sa makikita natin na mabuo ito, narito tayo ito ang pinag-uusapan natin. Pagkatapos ang daming alegasyon sa akin. Saan galing? Sa isang papel na walang nakapirma na ang dami-daming sinabi na kinita ko," he said.
"This is a project na we can consider a legacy project for our OFWs. Ang nakakalungkot imbis na papunta na tayo dun sa makikita natin na mabuo ito, narito tayo ito ang pinag-uusapan natin. Pagkatapos ang daming alegasyon sa akin. Saan galing? Sa isang papel na walang nakapirma na ang dami-daming sinabi na kinita ko," he said.
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He also addressed the OFWs, assuring them that he did not personally benefit financially from the project.
He also addressed the OFWs, assuring them that he did not personally benefit financially from the project.
"To the OFWs I have been serving, hindi ko kayo pinagtaksilan. Ginawa ko lang po ito para sainyong pagmamahal at wala po akong kinita dito. It's the Land Bank that assessed the value and it is exaclty the amount that OWWA paid," he said.
"To the OFWs I have been serving, hindi ko kayo pinagtaksilan. Ginawa ko lang po ito para sainyong pagmamahal at wala po akong kinita dito. It's the Land Bank that assessed the value and it is exaclty the amount that OWWA paid," he said.
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac earlier confirmed that Ignacio was removed as OWWA chief for acquiring a plot of land without due approval from the OWWA Board.
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac earlier confirmed that Ignacio was removed as OWWA chief for acquiring a plot of land without due approval from the OWWA Board.
Malacañang also said that investigations into the unauthorized deal are ongoing, but initial findings showed that the OWWA trust fund was not used for the questionable procurement of the property.
Malacañang also said that investigations into the unauthorized deal are ongoing, but initial findings showed that the OWWA trust fund was not used for the questionable procurement of the property.
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