Soriano vows to keep mum

Wilhelm Soriano, chief of the Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration (OWWA), confessed he is complying with President Gloria Arroyo's instruction to "shut up", and not defend himself from accusations that he wrongly invested the money of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) without approval of the OWWA board.

Although he stressed that he has not vacated his post and has no plans to resign, many said he should clear himself by furnishing a report on what he has done with the funds of OWWA, which came from OFWs.

In turn, Congressman Willie Villarama advised Soriano to make a "report card" on his performance as OWWA chief. There should be an accounting for any investment paid for by OWWA funds as approved by the OWWA board, and the income derived from such investments.

In that way, people can objectively see if he was right or wrong, said Villarama.

He added that Soriano should prove his "fidelity to his obligations" to oversee the money entrusted to him by the OFWs.

Soriano has been in conflict with Labour Secretary, Patricia Santo Tomas, who has been criticising his financial management of OWWA's fund.

He accused Santo Tomas and other congressmen of trying to ease him out of his post through a "funded demolition campaign" against him.