Save Bacolod Movement lead convenor Romy Niere filed before the Talisay City Prosecutor's Office a criminal case of libel against the editor-in-chief of a local tabloid and four others Wednesday.

The complaint was filed by Niere against Agila editor-in-chief Erwin Delilan, Ma. Teresa Lejano – business and marketing head, Roberto Descutido Jr. – circulation-in-charge, Daren Zaraga – art director and the publisher, a “John Doe.”

Delilan yesterday said he could not give any reaction since he has not yet received a copy of the complaint.

Niere, in his complaint-affidavit, said he was shocked and dismayed to read the Nov. 6-7, 2009 issue of Agila (Kuting-Kuting Just Asking) which claimed that the Leonardia administration has given him 10 casuals, which are ghost employees.

The article stated that with each casual employee earning P7,000 a month, Niere is allegedly earning not less than P70,000 a month, according to their sources, which is more than the salary of a city councilor.

Niere said the statements were published by the respondents to ridicule, humiliate, destroy his name and reputation simply because of his consistent stand against Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella, especially regarding the plunder case filed against the solon by Ambassador Harry Angping of the Philippine Sports Commission.

He said that prior to the Nov. 6-7, 2009 issue of Agila, the respondents already maligned his name in its Nov. 3 issue asking if he was willing to dip his fingers on the issue of the P250 million loan if the intention of SBM is really to save Bacolod from tragedy.

Niere said that on Nov. 11, the respondents published an article asking who is the member of SBM who has gone to jail.

The tabloid stated that a texter sent a message saying that he (Niere) was removed from the Lions Club of Bacolod when it was learned that he had been imprisoned and until now is hiding from authorities in the USA , especially the immigration department, he said.

It also stated that he left for America many years ago since he was trying to run away from someone, he added.

Niere said media practitioners must observe high ethical standards and must not abuse the right of free speech and press.

He said it is also worthy keeping in mind that the press is the servant, not the master of the citizenry and its freedom does not carry with it an unrestricted hunting license to prey on the ordinary citizen.*CGS

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