The Office of the Ombudsman indicated that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) might challenge the dismissal of plunder, malversation, and graft charges against former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) official Arnaldo 'Arnell' Ignacio.The legal action stems from allegations surrounding a P1.4-billion land deal involving the purchase of a 1.5-hectare property near Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in September 2024.

DMW claimed the site's proximity to the airport runway made it unsuitable for developing a halfway house for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).The Ombudsman noted that DMW has 10 days to file a motion for reconsideration after receiving the resolution.

Additionally, DMW argued that Ignacio did not consult the OWWA board of directors and lacked authorization for the sale contract and related agreements.Despite these claims, the Ombudsman indicted Ignacio for usurpation of official functions rather than the higher charges.

The case highlights ongoing legal disputes over alleged corruption in public office and the complexities of handling land deals involving government agencies.