PPCRV: the Catholic Church in politics

WITH DUE RESPECT
PPCRV: the Catholic Church in politics

By Artemio V. Panganiban
Inquirer
Last updated 07:17am (Mla time) 03/11/2007

MANILA, Philippines — Since my first column came out a month ago on Feb. 11, I have pursued one consistent theme: to enable our people to enjoy the full blessings of a prosperous, liberal democracy that adheres faithfully to the rule of law, we urgently need visionary leadership by example.

Crucial to the search for principled leaders are periodic elections. Unfortunately, our electoral exercises have been tainted with serious allegations of irregularities (dagdag-bawas, Hello Garci, massive vote-buying, terrorism and other forms of cheating).

Honest, orderly and peaceful elections. The Supreme Court is often referred to as the last bulwark of democracy; but the first bastion is honest, orderly and peaceful elections (HOPE). Like the judiciary, the Commission on Elections is constitutionally independent and granted with more than sufficient powers and functions to conduct credible elections.

Sadly, however, the present Comelec has been mired in various controversies that have placed into serious question its ability to fulfill its mandate. The forthcoming May elections are a new crucible for the Comelec to show its mettle and to rise above the mud.

In this heroic effort, the Comelec is luckily being assisted by its reinvigorated citizens’ arm, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), led by its vision-driven president, Ambassador Henrietta T. de Villa. The PPCRV is a national, parish-based, political but nonpartisan, lay organization actively supported by the Catholic hierarchy.

The PPCRV was organized in response to Resolution 28 of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II) which, in turn, was the Philippine “echo” of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II). This Resolution asked Catholic lay leaders to “help form the civic conscience of the voting population” and “to promote the election to public office of leaders of true integrity.”

During its three-day National Conference on March 9-11, to which I had been invited as keynote speaker, PPCRV animated its diocesan leaders with “Faith and Fire,” so they could fulfill its missions of (1) voter education, and (2) poll watching.

Voter education. To make the electorate more aware of and knowledgeable on social and political issues, the PPCRV conducts year-round voter education in all parishes nationwide. It organized the Pinoy Voters Academy and crafted three modules derived from popular TV programs: (1) Pilipinas, Nag-Grow Ka Na Ba? (2) Kababayan, Laban o Bawi? and (3) Halalan Idol.

The first module analyzes the country’s current political and economic situation. The second imparts the social teachings and political apostolate of the Church. The third explains the qualifications that voters should look for in candidates. Recently, the Inquirer published the PPCRV’s “Ten Commandments for Responsible Candidacy” and “Ten Commandments for Responsible Voting.”

The PPCRV also holds a weekly radio program, “Boto Ko, Dangal Ko,” every Sunday at 11 a.m. over Radio Veritas and the Catholic Media Network affiliates. And it has partnered with ABS-CBN in sponsoring senatorial debates in “Forum 2007” every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6 p.m.

Poll watching. The PPCRV’s best-known activity is poll watching. It is unleashing 620,000 poll watchers to monitor the 310,000 precincts all over the country. To recruit its huge army, it is tapping about 250 volunteers from each of the 2,700 parishes nationwide. Additionally, the PPCRV is fielding SWAT (Social Witnesses Attesting Truth) teams to oversee specific areas of concern, such as communications, logistics, documentation and roving patrols.

It plans to ask its volunteers to secure, after the counting of votes in each polling precinct, a Certificate of Votes (COVs) duly authenticated by the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI). They shall submit the COVs to the PPCRV Voters Assistance Desk (VAD) in every polling center.

The parish coordinators shall gather all the COVs from the VADs and forward them to the Arch/Diocesan Counting Centers for encoding, encryption and transmittal through its special Internet system to the PPCRV national office. The transmitted results shall then be consolidated and published in wide screens at the PPCRV National Operations Center and in its special, secure website (ppcrv.org), as well as in the media outlets of the Catholic Church.

“Hope” and “champ” of democracy. Consistent with its vision of CHAMP—clean, honest, accurate, meaningful and peaceful elections—the PPCRV will thus be in a position to validate the Comelec official count. Should this happen, the commission can then rise like a phoenix from its controversial past.

The PPCRV is asking our people to vote intelligently; to reject the traditional politics of “guns, goons and gold” and “payoff, personality and patronage”; and to elect individuals who embody the “glory, grace and gospel of God” and who exemplify “principles, programs and performance.”

In 1992, Fidel V. Ramos won the presidency by capturing only 23 percent of the votes, with a mere 900,000 plurality over his closest rival. Our people accepted his victory, because the elections were validated by an independent and competent Comelec supported by a credible PPCRV.

Indeed, by helping the Comelec conduct clean elections, the PPCRV may yet be our democracy’s hope and champ in searching for visionary and exemplary leaders.

* * *

Comments are welcome at chiefjusticepanganiban@hotmail.com

THE MAY 2004 ELECTIONS: ASSESSMENTS — PPCRV

Methodology

Two instruments have been used for this report:

PPCRV National Secretariat Incident Report Sheet. This was utilized to gather incident reports. The first group of respondents includes those people who have called the PPCRV National Secretariat to give reports on their respective locations on the day of polls. The group is likewise comprised of PPCRV parish Coordinators who have submitted, through written reports, their observations during the elections.
The second group of respondents includes the PPCRV Diocesan, Ecclesiastical, and District Coordinators. Forty-five Coordinators have participated. This group represents at least 703 parishes that have been supervised under the PPCRV.

PPCRV National Secretariat Evaluation Form. The form is divided into two major areas of concern. The first major part is that of PPCRV’s. It has been subdivided into 14 sub-areas. The second major part, on the other hand, is that of the Election Day. It has been subdivided into 11 sub-areas. Each sub-area has to be rated through a 5-point Likert scale where a rating of 5 means a highest mark and a rating of 1, in contrast, means the lowest mark.

Procedure

The PPCRV National Secretariat have started monitoring and accepting incident reports through its telephone lines, facsimile, electronic mails, and written correspondences on May 8, 2004, two days prior to Election Day. This has continued until several days after the conduct of elections when the PPCRV Parish Coordinators have submitted their written observations in their areas of responsibility.

Upon submission, this incident reports have then been compiled into one consolidated report. The reports provided were classified according to the common problems encountered during elections. After consolidation there were 19 major election problems determined.

On the other hand, the District Coordinators representing the majority of its Arch/Diocesan Units were expected to rate the conduct of elections based on the 25 sub-areas of concern provided in the Evaluation Form.

The data obtained from the two instruments utilized in this report underwent statistical analyses.

Results

Problems Encountered During the 2004 Elections

PROBLEM /FREQUENCY/ PERCENT
Voter’s Disenfranchisement/ 65 /31.100
Lack of Election Paraphernalia/ 18/ 8.612
Presence of Double Registrants, Deceased Voters, and Flying Voters/ 17/ 8.134
Use of Indelible Ink /16/ 7.656
Improper Procedure Followed /13/ 6.220
Illumination /12 /5.742
Problems Encountered with Election Officers and Members of the BEI/ 11/ 5.263
Vote Buying/ 10/ 4.785
Electioneering/ 8/ 3.828
Illegal Participation of Military Personnel/ 8/ 3.828
Taking of Ballots/Ballot Boxes/ 7 /3.349
Harassment/ 6/ 2.871
Incidents of Dagdag-Bawas/ 5/ 2.392
Improper Handling and Lost of Election Returns/ 4/ 1.914
Absence of Commission Representatives /3 /1.435
Spreading of False Reports/ 2/ 0.957
Voters’ Registration Records/ 2/ 0.957
Declaration of Failure of Elections/ 1/ 0.478
Delay of Canvassing /1/ 0.478

Some cases:

Voter’s Disenfranchisement

San Sebastian Basilica, Quiapo, Manila, May 10, 7:13 a.m.
In the submitted observations and findings of PPCRV Volunteers in this area, through Bro, Tony L. Diesta, problems have started to arise at around this time “due to most of the newly registered voters and some of the old registered voters who submitted themselves in the validated voters list are not included in the voters list.”

Tenement Elementary School, Western Bicutan, Taguig, May 10, 10:05 a.m.
Vivian of Our Lady of the Poor Parish reported that Precincts 1078, 1079, 1080, and 1081 of the said school couldn’t be found.

Presence of Double Registrants, Deceased Voters, and Flying Voters

Gumaca, Quezon, May 19
In an incident report filed by Sem. Eric Buhain, a Poll watcher Volunteer, it was stipulated that watchers have identified some 19 flying voters from the computerized voters’ lists. “These flying voters were challenged by our own volunteers but the BEI allowed them to vote because they are listed in the Book of Voters.”

San Sebastian Parish, Famy, Laguna, Pedor Guevara Elementary School, Binondo, Manila, May 4
In a copy of the letter sent by Fr. Jose Thor R. Villacarlos to Famy, Laguna’s Comelec Municipal Chairman Cristeta A. Jamon, it was stipulated that the former’s group has found fifty votes as discrepancies in the total number of voters between the voters’ list and project of precinct,” then increasing 8,416 to 8,444. Likewise, the priest claimed of presence in the place for the last three years hence, doubting the incredibly high number of voters in Barangay Minayutan (Precincts 36A and 36B).

Incidents of Dagdag-Bawas

Ilocos Sur, May 20
In a report submitted by Fr. Arwin Romulo Rebollido, Associate Director of the Social Action Commission, it was noted that “there were instances of Dagdag-Bawas due to the fact that there are irregularities in the Election Returns that were collected…several precincts have more votes counted than the numbers of registered voters. In some cases, the numbers of voters who actually voted are lesser than the counted number of votes.”

Improper Handling and Lost of Election Returns

Famy, Laguna, May 11
In an incident report filed by Sem. Eric Buhain, a Poll watcher Volunteer, it was stipulated that “while sorting the Election Returns, he noticed the ER and envelope of Precinct 3A were not properly sealed.”

Santa Rosa, Laguna, May 13, 12:45 p.m.
According to Josephine Hernandez (09175447039), election returns in the area were hidden.

Vote Buying

Gumaca, Quezon, May 19
According to Eleuterio Arcaya, PPCRV Diocesan Chairman, “vote buying was also reported in several municipalities in the diocese…In Mulanay two voters were offered money in the envelope, the voter accepted the envelope but turned it over to the Barangay Captain, who turned it over to the Parish Priest and gave it to PPCRV/NAMFREL. The envelopes contained P300.00 each. In Caluag, vote buying came in a different form; supporters of candidate for the Mayor approached known supporter of the opposing candidate and offered P500.00 on condition that they will not vote. They applied indelible ink on their fingers to make sure they cannot vote.”

Illegal Participation of Military Personnel

Saint John Bosco, Makati City, May 10
Rev. Fr. Bernir Carpio of the PPCRV-Saint John Bosco Parish Unit noted, “in SLV polling place, PNP officers were taking down tally results right after counting. Their attention was called but PNP officers said it’s off-the-record and are acting upon instruction of their supervisor.

Sulu, May12, 10:58 p.m.
A certain Chico (09178239876) reported that Philippine Marine Col. Alamea and company forced the Sulu Board of Canvassers to read all ballots as GMA votes.

Recommendations

For the Commission on Elections

There must be a review in the Comelec’s modernization program from the registration of voters to the canvassing and transmittal of votes.

If there would still be a validation of the Computerized Voters’ Lists, it must be conducted at an earlier time.

The Comelec should release the complete copies of the Certified Voters’ List two weeks prior to the conduct of polls and a listing of new registrants on a monthly basis.

There should be a clear program in the implementation of the Voters’ Registration and Validation process which should be accepted by all Comelec officials and personnel down to the city and municipal levels.

Comelec must professional itself through a thorough evaluation of efficiency, trustworthiness, and effectiveness of all Comelec officials and personnel.

Comelec must consider the timely release of its General Instructions in the conduct of elections so that it may be used in a comprehensive Voters’ Education Program.

All Chairmen of the Boards of Election Inspectors must be ready with their copies of the Certificate of Votes.

Re-evaluate the Commission’s discharge of modernization funds so as not to put them to waste. Re-examine various systems and procedures in dealing with the Commission’s modernization thrusts. So many Supreme Court Rulings on the legality of certain aspects of the program have hampered its implementation. Fortify the legal framework first before acting again.

All members of the Boards of Election Inspectors nationwide must be informed that PPCRV Volunteers need not present certificates of appointment for poll watching. Members of the Philippine Armed Forces of the Philippines and National Police shall likewise be informed of the need to recognize PPCRV poll watchers identification cards as some did not do so especially those who were in areas that lack peace and order.
For the Voters’ Education Programs

In the organization’s continuous Voter’s Education program, PPCRV might want to consider exploring and studying the Philippine political system’s weaknesses. It may also want to include exposing elected officials’ abusive or immoral behaviors with tri-media’s help. Voters’ Education sessions may likewise include the invitation of local government units.

Voters’ Education must be continuously institutionalized throughout the country, preferably in as early as grade school.

(From the Consolidated Election Monitoring Report for the 2004 National and Local Elections authored by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting.)

(You may access a copy of the full report from either the PPCRV, Tel.: 521-5005, or the PCIJ library.)

TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR PRO-LIFE AND FAMILY VOTERS

1.Promote and defend Life conception up to natural death. You shall not have false values that degrade the dignity of life and the welfare of the family, the basic unit of society.

2.You shall not compromise your pro-life and pro-family principles in your dialogue with and in selecting candidates. You shall not bow down to immoral, corrupt and inept candidates and vote them to office. Our life, our family and our country are too precious to be entrusted to such people.

3.You shall not take your vote in vain. You shall not sell it for a price or for money. You shall not vote without scrutinizing the candidate’s track record both in public and private life.

4.You shall not vote for candidates that are in favor of legalizing absolute divorce and are themselves not faithful to their own marriage and family.

5.You shall not vote for candidates that are for legalization of euthanasia or mercy killing and are not caring for the older persons and the sick.

6.You shall not vote for candidates that are for legalization of abortion and any form of abortifacients. You shall not vote for candidates that advocate for reproductive rights and support contraceptive use and sterilization as a means for population control.

7.You shall not vote for candidates that promote sex education that is focused on contraceptive use and emphasize “safe sex’ rather than moral values and developing virtues.

8.You shall not vote for candidates that advocate same-sex unions and the legalization of same-sex marriage in the guise of anti-discrimination.

9.You shall not vote candidates that sell our country’s future to foreign and elite interest, concerned with their vested interest to the destruction of our environment and natural resources, and disregard the plight of the poor.

10.You shall not vote for candidates that are corrupt, steal from the government, that are insensitive to our people’s demand and opinion; that are undemocratic, unjust and unpatriotic in their governance and programs. True development is the upliftment of the lives of the least of our brethren and the enjoyment of justice, freedom and peace.

Watch and Pray for Self-serving Representatives

Despite the result of twelve hours of turbulent discussion leading to shouting at one another in the House of Representatives, we continue to hold that the way to change the Charter is not by way of a Constituent Assembly but by way of a Constitutional Convention. We believe that the changing of House Rules for Congressmen of the Administration to convert themselves into a CON-ASS is fraudulently illegitimate and scandalously immoral. It is perceivably self-serving on their part. Why can’t they entrust the CHA-CHA to others? Why are our Administration Congressmen desperately in a hurry? The haste is questionable and suspicious.

We encourage our people in the parishes to be vigilant, to express their opposition to CON-ASS and to offer prayers for our government. Graft and corruption cannot be committed by the Constitution, but by the improper application of it. It is the people who are guilty of graft and corruption who need to change. God help us! God help our country!

(Sgd.) + Angel N. Lagdameo, DD
Archbishop of Jaro
President, CBCP

CBCP LETTER TO THE DIOCESES AND PARISHES

“Choose wise, discerning and experienced people” (Dt. 1, 13)

“The Church values the democratic system.” (Centesimus Annus, 46) These words of Pope John Paul II inspire this letter, which we, your shepherds, write to you as the national elections of 2007 draw near. We seek only one thing: to apply the values of the Gospel to our electoral process.

Elections in a democracy allow citizens to choose freely those who will govern them and be instruments of a better life and a more just society for all. These coming elections in May 2007 are especially important. Many of our current political problems, which have hindered fuller economic development and social justice, especially for the poor, can be traced to unresolved questions concerning the conduct of past elections. As a nation, we cannot afford yet another controversial electoral exercise that further aggravates social distrust and hopelessness.

In these two years past, we are only too aware, it has become easier to succumb to apathy and hopelessness about our country and its political life. But as followers of the crucified and risen Lord, we are called never to lose the hope that creates energy and the love that creates responsibility.

Therefore, this time, we are determined that we come together once more and organize ourselves more effectively than we have done in the past to make this year’s elections credible—and as free of violence as possible.

This means that every parish organization and institution—and the BECs most especially—be mobilized to the utmost to do what each can do towards that end. This means too that they must form linkages with one another and with other like-minded civic and religious associations that are working to help clean the dirt from our easily corrupted electoral process.

The Lord of truth and justice be with us all in this crucial undertaking to his greater praise and glory. And may Mary, Our Lady of Peace, intercede for us.

For the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines,

+ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO, D.D.
Archbishop of Jaro
President, CBCP

28 January 2007

Cardinal Rosales: Voters should know who are eco-friendly candidates

Cardinal Rosales has endorsed the efforts of EcoWaste Coalition and its allies in the environmental movement to help educate Filipino voters on how to select candidates for national and local public office who champion the cause of protecting the environment.

In his statement of support for the group released today, March 16, the Cardinal said that it is imperative for voters to put into office those who are truly committed to caring for Mother Nature, and to “defending her from being desecrated, contaminated, and destroyed by apathy, greed, crass materialism, toxic wastes and chemicals, and the unsustainable use of the earth’s dwindling resources.

He had earlier on called on those involved in the election campaign to adhere to environment-friendly practices that would not produce waste and pollute the environment.

NATION-BUILDING THROUGH ELECTIONS

CBCP PASTORAL STATEMENT ON ELECTION 2004

Elections are a crucial moment in our continuing task of nation-building. They are a “timely opportunity to transform society by electing wise, capable and upright leaders.” (Oratio imperata) It is time when we can institutionalize further People Power through the informed and responsible choice of local and national leaders by millions of Filipinos here and abroad.

Despite disturbing talk of massive frauds and unconstitutional measures being contemplated by various political groupings, we assert once more that the vigilance and concerted action or ordinary citizens would be the best guarantee of maintaining honest, orderly and peaceful elections. Are we ready to defend our democratic way of life through the constitutional process and the rule of law?

It is in this light that we emphasize the importance of safeguarding the election process. We highly endorse citizens’ groups such as PPCRV, NAMFREL, and others to work closely with COMELEC, the military and PNP and public school teachers in maintaining a neutral and non-partisan role in ensuring the electoral process. We also note that the voters’ list in many places has not yet been made available by COMELEC and neither has the supply of indelible ink been assured. Will this problem be solved before election?

The electoral process is also a time when we can state that we cannot be neutral against corruption in its various forms, e.g. vote-buying and vote-selling, taxation by the NPA of olitical candidates and ordinary citizens, misuse of public finds, etc. This fight against corruption is a gospel imperative.

Even as we focus on election-day itself, we also remind voters of their right and duty before elections to discern and choose candidates based on certain criteria. At least three basic criteria are to be considered:

First, is the candidate a person of competence, e.i. in terms of leadership experience, professional qualifications, and record of governance?

Second, is the candidate a person of conscience, e.i. with personal integrity, transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights?

And Third, is the candidate a person of commitment to a vision and program of action on key issues such as family and life, environment, illegal drugs and gambling, justice, peace and order, poverty alleviation, education, etc.?

Beyond elections, there is the greater challenge for all citizens: to continue monitoring winning candidates in order to ensure transparency, accountability and people empowerment for good governance. We have been praying for clean elections, we continue to pray and work for reconciliation and the solidarity that is essential to nation-building.

“So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all.” (Gal. 6,9-10)

For the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines

+Fernando R. Capalla, D.D.
Archbishop pf Davao
President, CBCP
April 21, 2004

PPCRV marks 15 th year of campaign for honest elections, voters’ education

The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), a national parish-based, non-partisan citizens’ movement, marked last October 19 its 15th year of carrying out a mandate to help form the civic conscience of the Filipino voters and campaign for an honest, meaningful and peaceful elections.

Formed in October 1991 as a program of the Archdiocese of Manila in preparation for the 1992 elections, PPCRV has grown to become a national movement grounded on faith, values, and authentic democracy.

“PPCRV responds to the signs of the times. The political situation in our country is such that no way can responsible voting be abstracted from the life of our democracy or from our Christian life. PPCRV looks into strategies that harness people participation in ensuring good governance – election is a powerful means. If unscrupulous politicians have been using elections for their own good, it’s time we turn the tables around. Get the fools out and let the angels in.” says PPCRV national chairperson, Ambassador Henrietta de Villa.

Over the years, PPCRV has played a major role during and in-between election time by mobilizing its volunteers to man polling precincts in the country, helping safeguard the integrity of the ballot, ensuring a meaningful electoral process, and campaigning non-stop for voters’ education and information on key issues.

“PPCRV uses the infrastructure of the parishes nationwide in advocating for responsible citizenship through responsible voting and calling for solidarity among all citizens—voters, as well as those aspiring for public office—towards this aim,” adds de Villa.

During the May 2004 elections, almost 500, 000 PPCRV members and volunteers from 2,670 parishes all across the Philippines participated in poll watching and canvassing of ballots.

This year, PPCRV rolled out its voters’ education drive by conducting six national Public Forums on Understanding CHACHA which de Villa said “concretized its continuing advocacy to help Filipinos develop an informed and principled stand” on Charter Change and the Constitution. The forums were held in the cities of Dagupan, Legaspi, Cotabato, Roxas, Borongan, and Manila.

Aside from this, PPCRV, together with the Jesuit formation arm Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB), has also launched the “Pinoy Voters’ Academy – Ang Drama sa Likod ng Halalan,” at a training program given to over 300 participants from parishes, schools, and lay organizations in the National Capital Region last September 9, 2006. PVA aims to stress the importance of political education for every individual and community, grounded on values and concrete social action. De Villa declared, “Pinoy Voters’ Academy will be intensively introduced in the provinces beginning November, so that before the May 2007 election all the 2904 parishes of the Philippines would have been reached.”

PPCRV will celebrated its 15th anniversary with a National Meeting of members and volunteers followed by Holy Mass on October 19, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila.

PPCRV: A Backgrounder

GMA News Research
03/12/2007 | 01:13 AM

HISTORY

The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) is a national parish-based political but non-partisan lay movement working for clean, honest, accurate, meaningful, and peaceful elections.

It was conceptualized on the evening of May 22, 1991 in the dining room of Villa San Miguel, the residence of the Archbishop of Manila. Gathered that evening in a meeting were then Commission on Election (Comelec) Commissioner Haydee Yorac, Jaime Cardinal L. Sin, Ambassador Henrietta T. De Villa, Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes, Msgr. Bayani Valenzuela, and some 30 parish lay leaders.

Yorac said that what would determine the results of the coming 1992 elections are guns, goons and gold. She also said that there is little hope for clean, meaningful, and peaceful elections “if the Church, the only credible institution left in our society, does not come up with a massive organized community response.”

In response to Yorac, Cardinal Sin directed those who were in the meeting to come up with that “massive organized community response.”

On October 19, 1991, leaders of the Catholic Church’s Parish Pastoral Councils launched the PPCRV.

The PPCRV was also formed in response to the challenge of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines “to participate more actively, with singular competence and integrity, in political affairs… (and) help form the civic conscience of the voting population and work to explicitly promote the election to public office leaders of true integrity.”

PPCRV is a lay movement

* led and run by the officers and members of the Parish Pastoral Council in each parish
* in partnership with Church hierarchy
* based on and inspired by the principles of the Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic
Church
* motivated by love of God and country
* geared toward the promotion of true democracy, good government and the common
welfare of the people

PPCRV engages in voter’s education, advocacy and promotion and volunteers mobilization. As of 2004, PPCRV has 443,975 volunteers from 2,670 parishes. It has a mass-based constituency composed of individuals of voting age and registered voters with operating chapters based in various Catholic parishes all over the country, which carry out all orders issued by the National Executive Board.

VISION AND MISSION

Attainment of

* a renewed and transformed society, with a culture uniquely Filipino
* a political order ingrained in Gospel values
* and a Church as deeply concerned with the temporal order as she is immersed in the mission of spiritual salvation

Continue to push for:

* Peaceful, Enlightened, Accurate and Clean Elections
* the fight against the eroding evil of politics
* the continued education of our people on the rights, duties and responsibilities of citizenship

INVOLVEMENT IN PAST ELECTIONS

PPCRV has been accredited as a Comelec Citizen’s Arm in the following electoral activities:

* May 11, 1993 Synchronized Elections
* 1993 Special Elections for Governor of Bataan
* 1994 Special Elections for Congreeman Second District of Rizal
* 1995 National and Local Elections
* 1996 Sangguniang Kabataan Elections
* 1997 Recall Elections Caloocan City
* General and Continuing Registration UNder R.A. 8189
* 1998 National and Local Elections
* 1999 ARMM Regional Elections
* 1999 Plebiscite on creation of City of Novaliches
* 2000 Recall Elections of Mayor of Pasay City
* 2001 National and Local Elections
* 2004 National and Local Elections
* 2005 August ARMM Elections

PROGRAMS / ACTIVITES

Flagship programs

* Bantay Barangay (Barangay Guardianship). Post-election advocacy program/ local government program
* Vote-Ed (Voter’s Education Development). Flagship program for the continuing education of peoples rights, duties and responsibilities of responsible citizenship trhough conscience building
* Lo-Go (Logal Governance). Flagship program for the information of the rights, duties and responsibilities of responsible citizenship through the knowledge of the government’s goals and programs as well as its laws.
* Pol-Fair (Political Affairs). Flagship program for the advocacy on electoral reforms; the program for the crusade against the eroding evils aof politics.

Pre-2004 elections activities

* Oplan V.A.L.I.D.A.T.E. (Verified Accuracy of Listing Indicative of the Democratic Authenticity of the Electorate)
* Voter’s education
* Networking
* Lecture forum on electoral modernization
* National conference
* Prayer vigil for P.E.A.C.E
* PPCRV-Comelec presidential debate

PPCRV AND THE 2007 ELECTIONS

In a January 25, 2007 resolution (SPP No. 06-140), the Comelec accredited the PPCRV as its citizen’s arm for the May 14, 2007 elections. Its shall conduct poll watching functions, and assist voters and in the canvassing of votes; and assist the Comelec in voter’s education campaign in every municipality, province and city including highly urbanized cities.

The PPCRV’s petition for accreditation was approved with the following conditions:

* PPCRV shall be subject to the direct and immediate control of the Comelec and comply with its orders;
* non-partisan and impartial during the election period
* not be under the influence of any foreign entity
* police its ranks
* submit to the Comelec a list of its officials
* make available to Comelec its personnel and equipment
* submit a weekly written report of its operations during the election period

Violation of these conditions will revoke the accreditation

LEADERSHIP

National Executive Board

* Chairperson: Ambassador Henrietta T. de Villa
* Vice Chairman – Internal Affairs: Mr. Antonio G. Ventosa
* Vice Chairman – External Affairs: Mr. Ernesto M. Burdeos
* Treasurer: Dr. Zenaida V. Rotea
* Secretary General: Bro. Clifford T. Sorita

Board Members

* Msgr. Gerardo O. Santos
* Atty. Andres D. Bautista
* Mr. Gonzalo O. Catan, Jr.
* Mr. Chris King A. dela Cruz
* Mr. Alfredo V. Lagman, Jr.
* Dr. Ricardo S.D. Ledesma
* Mr. Dioscoro V. Ochangco, Jr.
* Mr. Paulo G. Pabalan
* Mrs. Siony D. Prioreschi

National Spiritual Director

* H.E. Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo

Board of Bishop-Consultors

* His Eminence Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales
* H.E. Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi
* H.E. Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma
* H.E. Archbishop Orlando V. Quevedo
* H.E. Archbishop Ramon C. Arguelles
* H.E. Archbishop Ernesto A. Salgado
* H.E. Archbishop Jose S. Palma
* H.E. Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes
* H.E. Bishop Vicente M. Navarra
* H.E. Bishop Socrates B. Villegas
* H.E. Bishop Sergio L. Utleg
* H.E. Bishop Luis Antonio G. Tagle
* H.E. Bishop Deogracias S. Iñiguez
* H.E. Bishop Emilio Z. Marquez
* H.E. Bishop Jose F. Oliveros
* H.E. Bishop Pedro D. Arigo
* H.E. Bishop Jesse E. Mercardo
* H.E. Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani

CONTACT INFORMATION

PPCRV National Secretariat Office
Room 301, Pius XII Catholic Center
1175 U.N. Avenue, Manila, Philippines
Tel. No.: 521-5005 Telefax: 521-3626
E-mail: ppcrv@lycos.com / parishpcrv@yahoo.com

5 Compostela Valley towns placed under Comelec control

04/14/2007 | 11:23 AM

The Philippine National Police (PNP) placed five towns in Compostela Valley province under areas of immediate concern allegedly due to heightened communsit insurgency in the said places.

Senior Supt. Nestor Quinsay, PNP provincial director, told radio dzBB on Saturday that the towns they placed under immediate concern are Monkayo, Isaac, New Bataan, Cantucan and Montevista. He said the towns were placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Quinsay said members of the New People’s Army are continously “sowing terror” in these areas. Since January, the police have recorded at least 15 atrocities allegedly committed by the rebels, Quinsay said.

Compostela Valley police also confiscated 33 firearms since January, according to Quinsay.

Police stations in the province have been placed on heightened alert. Quinsay said the police are also conducting daily checkpoints in the said towns.

Quinsay said the provincial PNP is also requesting additional soldiers “to augment” their operations in the five towns.

He said the police are also conducting “weekly conferences” with the Comelec. He said a “peace covenant” will also be made soon among local candidates in the province. – GMANews.TV