PPCRV is Comelec's citizens' arm in 2010 polls

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has accredited Church-based group Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) as its citizens’ arm for the May 2010 computerized elections. In accrediting PPCRV, the Comelec en banc cited the group's reliability in conducting poll watchdog activities in the past electorates. “The petitioner's participation during the past electoral exercises and its commitment towards honest, clean, credible and peaceful elections are commendable. This Commission hereby resolves to accredit the PPCRV as (it’s) citizen's arm," the 10-page order stated. The PPCRV was accredited for the same post during the 1992, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2007 national and local Elections. Section 52 of the Omnibus Election Code gives the Comelec the power to enlist non-partisan organizations to assist them in ensuring free, orderly and honest elections. As an accredited poll watchdog, PPCRV is mandated to conduct poll watching activities and give assistance to voters. Its duties also include conducting massive voters’ education program in every municipality, city or province in the country. On the other hand, the accreditation entitles the PPCRV to a soft copy of the computerized voter's list (CVLs) as well as the 4th copy of the election returns, both soft and hard copies. The PPCRV will also be given the chance to test the equipment to be used in the automated elections on May 10 before the precincts open. - GMANews.TV