The Office of the Ombudsman has indicted former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnaldo 'Arnell' Ignacio for usurping his official duties in connection with a ₱1.4-billion property acquisition deal.

The resolution, dated June 19, 2026, found that Ignacio signed contracts and approved public funds without authority from the OWWA Board of Trustees, violating Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code.

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac stated the Ombudsman's findings indicated that Ignacio acted under false pretenses, bypassing institutional oversight required by the OWWA Charter.

The DMW plans to appeal the ruling, arguing that the resolution did not fully address evidence of undue advantage given to the seller and damage to government funds, including 51 condominium units valued at ₱97 million that no longer exist.Ignacio was removed as OWWA administrator in May 2025 due to loss of trust over this deal, which the board did not authorize.The case highlights concerns about accountability in public resource management and the protection of overseas Filipino workers' welfare funds.