Davao City polling sites deny entry to PPCRV volunteers; Comelec intervenes

MANILA, Philippines —  Volunteers from the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting–Archdiocesan Citizen Engagement Committee (PPCRV-ACE COM) were denied entry to several polling precincts in Davao City on Monday, May 12.

PPCRV-ACE COM spokesperson Aileen Lizada said Electoral Boards prioritized poll watchers representing candidates, according to a report by Radyo Pilipinas.

The election watchdog then reported the incident to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Regional Election Director.

In response, Region 11 Election Director Michael Abas issued a memorandum directing precincts to allow PPCRV volunteers entry.

The memo stated, “Their presence within the polling places is part of their mandate as an accredited citizens' arm of the Commission, to help ensure honest, orderly, and credible elections.”

It further instructed Electoral Boards and support staff to extend appropriate assistance and courtesy to accredited PPCRV volunteers, provided they do not disrupt the electoral process.

At a May 8 press conference, howeer, Garcia said the Omnibus Election Code permits only voters, electoral board members, accredited citizens’ arm watchers, authorized party representatives, and poll body support staff inside polling precincts. Philstar.com sought comment from Comelec Chairman George Garcia, but he has yet to respond.

What is PPCRV? It is an election watchdog affiliated with the Catholic Church, deploys volunteers from various churches and parishes to observe elections and monitor election returns.