OWWA fires another official over ₱1.4-B land deal – Palace

Inquirer Files

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Wednesday said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) dismissed Deputy Administrator Emma Sinclair over her alleged collusion with former Administrator Arnel Ignacio in connection with an unauthorized ₱1.4-billion land deal.

“They were both removed from their positions; they were not asked to resign,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said at a briefing.

“This is a sign—we can say it is a call from the President to everyone working under his administration to fulfill their duties, eliminate deceit or dishonest practices in their work. You will all be fired if you fail to carry out your responsibilities to the nation,” she added.

READ: Ex-OWWA chief may face raps over P1.4-B land deal

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac earlier said Ignacio was removed from his post “due to loss of trust and confidence.”

Cacdac said the land was supposed to be the site of an accommodation center or halfway house for overseas Filipino workers, which he felt was unnecessary.

He also said the land deal did not go through the OWWA Board of Trustees.