Arnell Ignacio Replaced as OWWA Chief
ARNELL IGNACIO – The former television personality has been removed from his post as Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), contrary to earlier claims that he resigned.
According to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Ignacio was dismissed due to a “loss of trust and confidence” over a questionable ₱1.4 billion land acquisition deal that reportedly did not go through proper approval from the OWWA Board of Trustees. Cacdac explained that Ignacio should have consulted the board—especially him—before proceeding with such a major transaction.
Ignacio was appointed as OWWA Administrator in 2022 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and had previously served as Deputy Administrator from 2018 to 2019 under former President Rodrigo Duterte. As of this writing, Ignacio has not released an official statement but said he would respond in the proper forum.
Replacing him is Patricia Yvonne Caunan, who was sworn in as the new OWWA Administrator on May 16. Caunan previously served as DMW Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation. She expressed gratitude to President Marcos for the trust given to her and promised to work hard for the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). “Naniniwala ako na kailangan natin ng isang OWWA, isang DMW, at isang gobyerno para sa OFW,” she said.
DMW Secretary Cacdac praised Caunan as a strong leader with solid experience in international labor relations. Since 2022, she has played a key role in forming 15 bilateral labor agreements with countries like Canada, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and others—each one aimed at improving protection for OFWs.
Caunan’s appointment is seen as a fresh start for the agency, especially as it faces public calls for more transparency and better service. With her legal background, compassion, and practical leadership, officials are hopeful that she will lead OWWA in a direction that truly supports the needs and rights of Filipino migrant workers.
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