The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Sunday clarified that strict internal control and audit by the Commission on Audit (CoA) are ensuring that their trust fund is prudently and transparently disbursed for the benefits of its members.

OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon issued the statement to allay fears by certain sectors that the fund would be diverted to other uses.

Dimzon said that Filipino migrant groups in Hong Kong are demanding the recall of the appointment of Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Joselito Sapio as land-based sector representative to the OWWA Board of Trustees.

She said the migrant group claimed that the appointment of Sapio was biased and politically motivated because of his personal relationship with President Arroyo.

The group also claimed that Sapio headed the campaign of Mrs. Arroyo in Hong Kong during the 2004 presidential election and was also reportedly organizing events for the President.

However, Dimzon explained that every receipt and disbursement of the funds made by them are fully supported by documents and every transaction is recorded promptly.

She also said that this ensures the audit trail of transactions is reviewed and evaluated by CoA.

“The multi-sectoral composition of the board of trustees itself is a safeguard,” Dimzon said.