Comelec picks PPCRV citizens’ arm anew

MANILA, Philippines–The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has again accredited the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) to be its citizens’ arm in the 2016 national and local elections.

“Wherefore, the commission resolves to grant the petition and accredit the PPCRV as the citizens’ arm of the commission in connection with the May 9, 2016, national and local elections,” said the Comelec in its decision dated Jan. 29 but released only on Monday.

The poll body cited the PPCRV’s performance as its citizens’ arm in previous elections beginning in 1992.

These include the fielding of poll watchers in precincts, conducting voter education activities and other programs supportive of the commission’s projects.

“All these, taken together, prove that PPCRV deserves another opportunity to directly serve the country by being a citizens’ arm of the commission for the 2016 elections,” the poll agency said in its eight-page resolution.

As its citizens’ arm, the PPCRV has been tasked by the Comelec to assist the commission in its voter registration drive; ensure the integrity of the voter list, and help in voter education and information activites.

The Comelec said the PPCRV was also mandated to assist it in election preparations such as planning, procurement, testing, evaluation, ballot and election document printing, among other things; provide citizen watchers in polling places; and help the commission in post-election activities as deemed necessary.