Comelec retains PPCRV as citizens' arm for 2016 polls

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved the application of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) to be its citizens’ arm in the 2016 national and elections.

“Wherefore, the Commission resolves to grant the petition and accredit the PPCRV as citizens’ arm of the Commission in connection with the May 9, 2016 national and local elections,” the Comelec said in an eight-page decision dated January 29 but was released to the media Tuesday.

The poll body cited the PPCRV’s performance in past elections starting in 1992, including the fielding of poll watchers in precincts, conducting voters’ education activities, and other programs supportive to the poll body's projects.
 
“All these, taken together, proves that PPCRV deserves another opportunity to directly serve the country by being a citizens’ arm of the Commission for the May 9, 2016 elections,” the Comelec said.

No one objected to the PPCRV's petition for accreditation, the Comelec said.

A citizens’ arm is tasked to assist the Comelec in its voter registration drive, ensure the integrity of the voters’ list, and help in voter education and information activities.
 
The citizens' arm is mandated to help the Comelec in election preparation such as planning, procurement, testing, evaluation, ballot and election document printing, among others; provide citizen watchers in polling places; as well as help the commission in post-election activities as deemed necessary.
 
The PPCRV, which applied to be the citizens' arm for next year's polls in August 2014, served as the poll body’s citizens’ arm in the May 2013 midterm polls. —KBK, GMA News