On Tuesday, however, the two traded "harsh" accusations over the port takeover issue.
This was after Novero said only the court and not the City Council can declare a port takeover.
"There's no other way to take over the Bredco port except through judicial remedy and not by a mere resolution of the Council," added Novero.
He said that non lawyer-members of the City Council cannot understand the implication of the port takeover resolution, adding: "The contract involves a big investment and, therefore, will have legal and practical implications."
But Espino, chair of the council committee on finance and one of the prime movers of the port takeover, said Novero's stance on the issue is very understandable since the latter is "being paid" by the Bacolod Reclamation Development Corp (Bredco) to protect its interest in the port, which is legally owned by the City Government of Bacolod.
"Novero is paid by Bredco so I can understand his position right now and I cannot blame him," said Espino.
Also in a radio interview Tuesday morning, Espino took Novero's challenge to pursue the port takeover and face the charges.
Espino also stressed he is just looking after the interest of the majority of the people.
"Paying the City a meager P800,000 annually in taxes is far below our expectation," Espino said, referring to what is Bredco paying the City now.
The P800,000 is the amount stipulated under the 25-year Comprehensive Revised Reclamation Agreement (CRRA) that binds the City Government and Bredco in terms of port operations.
Espino said, "Per report of the Philippine Ports Authority, Bredco is earning P148 million annually. At 11 percent taxes, it must give back to the City some P17 million annually," Espino added.
Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr., however, expects a peaceful solution to the matter.
He said that during the elections, all of them under Leonardia's Grupo Progreso sat with Bredco president Simplicio Palanca and discussed the matter over breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Espino stressed, "If our attitude is to give in simply because Bredco had helped us then we have no business being in the council."
"It is not right for Bacolod City being the owner of the port to kneel down before someone who is merely renting," Espino added.
"I'd rather be right than be a councilor," he also said.
