Another OWWA exec sacked over land deal
Credit to Author: Alexis Romero| Date: Thu, 22 May 2025 00:00:00 +0800
MANILA, Philippines — Another official of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has been dismissed over the allegedly unauthorized P1.4-billion land acquisition deal that cost former OWWA administrator Arnell Ignacio his post.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro revealed that Emma Sinclair was removed for cause as OWWA deputy director, which Castro said was a reminder for government workers to shun irregularities.
“We already said that former OWWA administrator Arnell Ignacio did not resign. He was removed because of the anomalies mentioned by (Migrant Workers) Secretary Hans Cacdac. Another one was removed, deputy director Emma Sinclair,” Castro said at a press briefing yesterday.
“We can say that it is an appeal by the President for all workers under him to perform their duties, get rid of irregularities because the President will not hesitate to remove you from your posts. You (would) all be fired if you do not fulfill your obligation to the nation,” she added.
Ignacio and Sinclair were fired over the acquisition of land for the construction of a halfway house for overseas Filipino workers. According to earlier reports, the real property acquisition was not approved by the OWWA Board of Trustees, a requirement specified under Republic Act 10801 or the OWWA Act.
Patricia Yvonne Caunan, who served as Department of Migrant Workers undersecretary for policy and international cooperation, replaced Ignacio as OWWA administrator.
Cacdac said an investigation is being conducted for possible filing of cases.