PPCRV deploys 2,521 volunteers in Bataan poll areas

BALANGA, Bataan, Philippines — The Diocese of Balanga will deploy 2,521 volunteers of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), who will watch and assist during the voting and canvassing of votes in different areas in this province.

“Our presence and participation in this historic May 9 elections are through our diocesan PPCRV. Our help and services are for all, not for a particular person or a single party,” Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos said on Saturday.

Aside from serving as poll watchers, the volunteers will assist voters and coordinate with the local office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the police.

”With them, we can assure the people that they can vote and each vote will be counted,” Santos said.

He urged every voting Filipino to go out and vote, saying today is a “very significant day for the country.”

“The Diocese of Balanga cooperates and collaborates with our Comelec officials, Department of Education electoral boards and the police. We work and talk with them. We offer our hands to be of help and of service to them. And we fold our hands in prayer for their safety, strength and health,” Santos said.

He said the voting process and proceedings are responsibilities of the Comelec, while the maintenance of peace and order rests on the police.

“The PPCRV is just the citizens’ arm,” he said. “Having no police power or judgment call on the procedure of the elections, the presence of PPCRV volunteers is necessary and beneficial to all.”

”Our participation enhances impartiality and serves as deterrent to any sinister plans. We give an aura of morality and credibility,” he added.