Newly-appointed Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrator Arnell Ignacio has tested positive for COVID-19.

Ignacio confirmed this himself in a television interview, stating that he has been in quarantine for 4 days.

"I don't know where I got it kasi everyday I'm in the airport welcoming OFWs (overseas Filipino workers)," he said.

On Wednesday, the Office of the Press Secretary announced the appointment of Ignacio to the agency.

"As soon as I can work they can expect that they can feel that OWWA would be around, will always be around for them," he said.

In 2016, Ignacio previously served as Assistant Vice President for the Community Relation and Services Department of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) under the Duterte Administration.

He was then appointed as the OWWA’s deputy executive director in 2018 and resigned from the post after one year.

Ignacio will be replacing vice Hans Cacdac who will be serving as Undersecretary of welfare and foreign employment under the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).