Arnell Ignacio Resigns As OWWA Deputy Administrator To Tend To His Dad Afflicted With Stage 4 Cancer And Go Back To Showbiz

ARNELL IGNACIO says he was overwhelmed when many labor attaches from various countries sent him a message saying they’re sad that he has resigned as OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) deputy administrator.

“I was so surprised because my phone kept ringing after the news leaked,” he says. “I’m really leaving government with a very heavy heart. When I assumed the post three years ago, I dedicated myself to it fully, attending to the needs of our OFWs in various countries. But because I was so dedicated to my work, I forgot to give attention to my own family. Ang daddy ko, may stage 4 cancer na pala, hindi ko pa alam. My daughter na sanay na sanay na lagi lang akong nandiyan, siya nang namahala ng negosyo namin, lalo na ang Creative Hair Systems sa Annapolis, Greenhills. I was attending to the problems of other people around the world, but I neglected my own family.”

Arnelli was teary eyed at this point. “Masakit lang dahil may nagsasabing marami na raw kasi akong nakulimbat. They don’t know what they’re talking about, kasi akong nawalan dito. Kinukuha ako ng ‘Ang Probinsyano’ for an acting job, I had to say no kasi I have an official government position. Ang dami kong hosting jobs na tinanggihan. Nang kuwentahin ko nga, malaki-laki na rin pala ang kita which I let go. My government post is preventing me from earning more sa showbiz. E, magkano lang ba ang suweldo ko sa gobierno?”

He says he has learned a lot from his OWWA post. “Don’t get me wrong because I loved the job. I met a lot of new wonderful people, including the OFWs who approach me to share all their personal problems. I would like to thank Pres. Duterte for putting his trust in me kaya lang, sobra talaga ang hinihingi from me ng trabahong ito at hirap na akong ibigay ang lahat. Sabi ko, gawin na lang sana akong consultant, so I’ll still be allowed to accept jobs sa showbiz to augment my income.

Arnell with the press people who interviewed him: Lolit Solis, Lhar Santiago, Pilar Mateo, Jojo Gabinete, Aster Amoyo, Gorgy Rula, Josh Mercado at kung sino sino pa.

"Makakatulong pa rin naman ako with One Movement, Joint Union of Active Nationalist Filipinos, na number 31 sa partylist. I will be their spokesman. Later on, I want to go back to TV hosting a public service program pa naman magamit ko ang mga natutuhan ko sa OWWA.”

We tell he’ll be the new version of Rosa Rosal in “Damayan” and the late Cielito del Mundo in “Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko”.