Patricia Yvonne "PY" Caunan, the new administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), vowed to protect the funds of Filipinos working abroad. As such, she said the agency’s programs need to be thoroughly reviewed.
"Ang pondo ng bayan lalo na ang pondo ng OFWs, ay sagrado kaya kailangan natin busisiin yung mga programa ng OWWA," said Caunan during a media conference on Saturday, May 17.
As the new OWWA administrator, Caunan expressed her desire to expand the agency's services and to ensure fast, efficient, and humane assistance in addressing the needs of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
"Dapat maramdaman ng OFWs (ang tulong ng OWWA), hindi lang kung may problema sila, kundi pati sa kanilang road to success—nandyan ang OWWA," said Caunan.
Caunan formally took her oath of office on Friday, administered by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac. On the same day, Caunan and Outgoing Administrator Arnell Ignacio held a transition meeting to ensure the continuity of operations, programs, and services for OFWs and their families.
In a press briefing last week, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed the authenticity of a letter of complaint submitted to the Office of the President against Ignacio, accusing him of plunder.
The complaint alleged that Ignacio and his deputy, Emma Sinclair, manipulated government processes to push through a questionable land deal in September 2024.
The P1.2-billion deal, intended for the construction of a halfway house for OFWs, reportedly failed to pass the scrutiny of the OWWA Board of Trustees.
The 1.5-hectare property in question is located beside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
"It became the reason of his immediate removal from the office," Castro said.
