PPCRV reaffirms commitment to safeguard 2025 polls

The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) convenes its coordinators at the National General Assembly held from November 26 to 28, 2024 at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila. (Photo courtesy of PPCRV)

MANILA, Philippines — The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) has reaffirmed its role in safeguarding the integrity of the 2025  midterm elections as the citizens’ election arm. 

During its National General Assembly held from November 26 to 28 that convened 159 coordinators nationwide, the PPCRV underscored that it is ready to be an “informed conscience of the nation” for the 2025 elections.

 “PPCRV remains steadfast in its commitment to truth, justice, and integrity,” PPCRV said in a statement on Monday.

“We are non-partisan, but never neutral. We are never passive when confronted with truth versus lies,” it added, quoting Chairperson Emeritus Ambassador Henrietta de Villa.

PPCRV is a national parish-based and non-partisan organization that advocates for clean and honest elections.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) accredited the council, along with the National Movement for Free Elections, as the citizens’ election watchdogs for the 2025 elections.

Appeal to the youth

PPCRV called on the youth to exercise their critical role in upholding the democracy by participating in the elections.

“We especially call upon the youth—not just as the future of our democracy but as an essential part of its present. You young people have a critical role to play, not only for tomorrow but today,” PPCRV said. 

The poll watchdog said that the democratic process “remains vibrant” through education, vigilance and active participation.

“Convince them of the power of their votes. They can write their future with the power of their votes,” PPCRV Chairperson Evelyn Singson added. 

Collective action 

PPCRV National Spiritual Adviser Archbishop Rex Alarcon, during  the convention’s closing mass,  emphasized the power of collective action in building “a nation of integrity, justice, and hope.”

 “We do not lose hope. Nation-building does not happen in one single election. It is a long-term endeavor, but here, through PPCRV we can make our contribution to society,” Alarcon said.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Dir. Shugar Carbero-Llacuna conducts a demonstration of the automated counting machines (ACMs) for the coordinators. (Photo courtesy of PPCRV)

Comelec demo

The convention also saw Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia introducing the new automated election system and the demonstration of the automated counting machine (ACM) led by Comelec Director Shugar Carbero-Llacuna. 

The poll body kicked off the roadshow and demonstration of the ACMs on Monday across the country as part of the preparation for the 2025 polls.

PPCRV Trustee, Spokesperson and Head for Voter Education Ana de Villa Singson also showcased ‘Tibok Pinoy,’ a series of books that underscores Filipino values for responsible voting.