New PPCRV chair to voters: Be discerning on who to elect

The Philippine Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) on Friday named its new national chairperson.

Myla Villanueva, a PPCRV trustee since 2010, was elected to lead the church-based election watchdog.

"It is with utmost humility that I accept this opportunity to serve and take on the mission of CHAMP - clean, honest, accurate, meaningful and peaceful elections," Villanueva said.

"Today, I will roll up my sleeve once again, I will travel the country, meet the incredible people and volunteers at the dioceses and listen to what goals and dreams they have for the PPCRV and for our country," Villanueva added.

Villanueva underscored that educating voters would be the priority of PPCRV officials and volunteers this coming 2019 midterm elections as it has been a long-term goal of the group.

"There's so many that we need to prepare for... but as a priority, voter's education is one of the most important mandates of PPCRV because in a way, it covers a number of things that can result on election day," she said.

"We have values that we want to promote no... be discerning about who he is, not really the personality but what they offer to the public. In essence, we are trying to reach the youth so more participation can happen," Villanueva added.

Involvement of youth

The new PPCRV head also emphasized the importance of making the youth more involved in the Philippine electoral system, saying the youth should be urged to make use of their right to suffrage.

"It is important that we reach our youth, teach them the value of their privilege to vote. Encourage them to participate in political citizenry, to volunteer, to give their time and who knows? Maybe even run for public office with the best values and reasons for serving," Villanueva said.

She also acknowledged how fake news easily spread during election period, but she noted that it is not easy to combat misinformation nowadays.

"There is definitely no easy answer, we are dealing with this globally. I guess what we need to work on is help in the discernment and for media to express real news. It is a long process, it is something that we are thinking through," she said.

Villanueva, a technology pioneer, also stated that technology can aid the system of election in the Philippines.

"I knew that technology can help solve a big part of our problems. Technology could decrease the possibility of violence when no physical ballot boxes would need to be transported anymore because it can merely be transmitted electronically," Villanueva said.

Meanwhile, former PPCRV chairperson Henrietta De Villa hailed the appointment of Villanueva as the new leader of the poll watchdog.

"I did not have anyone else in mind as the new PPCRV chair. I knew that this lady will be good for PPCRV," De Villa said.

"My only request to this new team, please look to yourselves that you do not lose what we work for and that is CHAMP elections..." she added. — RSJ, GMA News