The Office of the Ombudsman has charged former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) administrator Arnaldo “Arnell” Ignacio with usurpation of official functions in connection with the controversial P1.4-billion property purchase by the agency.
DMW confirms Ombudsman ruling
In a statement on Saturday, July 11, 2026, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the Ombudsman’s decision, dated June 19, 2026, but received by the department on July 7, 2026, found that Ignacio signed the contract to sell, deed of absolute sale, and its addendum, as well as approved the release of funds for the property purchase without authorization from the Owwa Board of Trustees.
The Ombudsman recommended filing a case against Ignacio for Usurpation of Official Functions under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code before the proper court.
Ignacio acted without board authority
The Ombudsman stated that Ignacio acted under the pretense of having authority from the Owwa Board, even though no such approval was given. According to the resolution, his actions went beyond a simple administrative lapse and constituted usurpation of official functions.
The ruling added that the lack of board approval was not merely a technical oversight but a circumvention of the institutional oversight and transparency required under the Owwa Charter.
Penalty for usurpation
Usurpation of official functions carries a penalty of imprisonment ranging from six months to four years, depending on the court’s decision.
