By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod City Councilor Renecito Novero on Wednesday slammed reports linking him to illegal gambling activities, adding he plans legal action against the media who started the rumors.
In a privilege speech he delivered during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), Novero said he was surprised by insinuations in media outlets saying a so-called “RN of SP Bacolod” is involved in illicit numbers games.
He explained the initials are easily interpreted as his name and the SP which stands for the city council.
“I am aware, based on the papers shown to me, that my name has been falsely dragged to the issue,” Novero said.
Novero stated to members of the media that he delivered the privilege speech to clear his name among fellow legislators.
He also denounced and repudiated to the Council any attachment of his name to the term “RN of SP Bacolod.”
He added, while he is a practicing lawyer, he had never been a counsel of any gambling entity or institution, be it legal or illegal.
Novero also stated he will not pass judgment upon anyone who might be involved in such trade, but he strongly condemns any false and malicious involvement of his name into such enterprise.
He further said, while he understands the role of the press in a democracy and will join the fight against any arbitrary curtailment, he could not understand why some members of the press would allow themselves to be conduits of false news and malicious stories. These acts, the veteran lawmaker said, “bedevil good names and ruin good lives.”
“And this I stand against. And this I will fight,” he said.
He cited jurisprudence in cautioning these media personalities.
“I am fundamentally prone to be forgiving. But I also need to see if there is any presence of genuine contrition in those who have maligned my name,” he added.
Novero said he intends to write those who falsely dragged his name in the issue. He also said he hopes that after one week from receipt of his letter, he shall no longer feel constrained to file libel cases against the individuals.
“I hate to make enemies, when we can still be friends,” Novero added./WDJ