January 25, 2025 The Mock Elections was simultaneously held last Saturday, January 25, 2025 across various selected locations nationwide. PPCRV represented by Dr. Arwin Serrano and Mr. Leonardo Sacamos Jr participated in the Mock Elections in Jolo, Sulu. Our journey started from Manila where we took a flight onboard a C-130 AFP military plane together with COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia with his staff. In tow are personnel from the media, stakeholders, and some military personnel who joined us in the flight to Jolo, Sulu. Front Left to right: Don Sacamos, Dr. Arwin Serrano, Chairman George Erwin Garcia, Acting Army Chief Maj. Gen. Ferdinand Napuli, PAF Brig. Gen. Genaro Menor during pre-flight briefing All aboard the C-130 plane are media personnel, COMELEC personnel, PPCRV, military personnel of a ranks, a bunch of cargo of various types sizes, AND 2 coffins, all mixed together in one single cabin. We took off at around 0530 hrs. Front Left to right: Dir. Shugar Llacuna of COMELEC, Dr. Arwin Serrano, and Don Sacamos After a 2 hr 10min flight, we arrived in Jolo, Sulu. This military flight was quite impeccable compared to a commercial flight. At the airport, after a short wait, we met up with the Governor of Sulu The entourage then proceeded to our first stop in our visit, the Walled City Front Left to right: Don Sacamos, Dr. Arwin Serrano, and COMELEC DEDO Raffy Alano Then we proceeded to the voting precinct. The voting activity in this precinct went without any issues. There was a mix of people of different age groups. I have not seen any PWDs or people in wheelchairs participate though in this voting center. Having lived in Mindanao in the early part of my life, seeing a lot more military and police personnel in battle gear again reminded me of the normal life in Mindanao is. We then took a detour to the Sulu Provincial Capitol where Gov. Tan prepared some breakfast for us. Front Left to right: Don Sacamos, Dr. Arwin Serrano, and BGen Jacinto, Provincial Commander of Sulu Welcomed by our muslim brothers and sisters. Gov. Abdusakur M. Tan welcomed us to his office. And a courtesy visit of key police and military officers of Jolo. A gesture that our visit there would be safe. Although they all say, Sulu is a peaceful and that where not needed there. But it was a reassurance, that election there will be safe. We then proceeded to our 2nd destination, Datu Uddin Bahjin, Central School in Brgy. Taglibi Voting went normal. Happy faces from EBs confident in knowing what to do Something noteworthy, you will observe that the EDCVL (Election Day Compterized Voters List) already has a clear and colored photo of the voter. Very helpful in identifying and matching with the voter infront of them. This reduces doubts if the person presenting himself is really the voter. Also, COMELEC confirmed later that the colored photo will also be there in the PCVL (Posted Computerized Voters List) when the voters tried to find if they are at the correct voting precinct. We did observe a rejected ballot On occular inspection, it is clear why the VCM rejected the ballot. There were a lot of repeated dots smudged on the ballot. Upon inspection, it appears to come from the roller of the VCM. But we believe the root of the problem was that the pen used was not drying fast enough that the ink was not yet completely dry from the time they voted to the time they inserted the ballot into the VCM. The expect drying time was about 10 seconds only. But it takes more than 10 seconds to get from the voting chair to the VCM. We have suggested to COMELEC to get a sample of that pen there and compare it to a pen from a voting center (say, in Manila) that did not have this repeated-dot-smudge issue. This is to compared if the ink on these 2 pens are consistent quality or not. We then proceeded to our 3rd and last precinct: Mudjunun Elementary School, in Brgy We proceeded with our usual routine, and there we find our local PPCRV Volunteers! Voting in this precinct was uneventful. They have actually completed the voting process before we arrived and the voters were simply waiting for us to greet us. Most of the voters are women. Clearly there was a larger presence of military personnel. Again, they insist it was safe but they have to show force to reduce our anxiety. All 3 sites we have seen people very calm and confident when they were voting. No hesitation in their handling of the ballot. Although, we did observe some smudging on the Ballot Secrecy Folder. We then proceeded for lunch hosted by the Gov as he tells a story about Sulu and how they maintained peace. Looking at this place, it really is such a wonderful place to be. We then proceeded for lunch hosted by the Gov as he tells a story about Sulu and how they maintained peace. Looking at this place, it really is such a wonderful place to be After the multiple visits, we then head back for our journey back to manila. Usual, mixed man-cargo cabin. Cargo mixed with COMELEC personnel, Media, military airmen, is a common sight by now. PLUS a motorcycle include in the cargo riding with us back to manila. Finally we arrived in Manila with the very plane that provided us the safe travel back and forth. Arrived safe back in Villamor Airbase. Once again, thank you to Chairman Garcia and the BGen Menor of the PAF for this journey. Hats of the the Philippine Airforce their flight schedule timing are truly impeccable. If I don’t want to be late, I’d fly PAF than the commercial airline. Simple joys you can experience as a PPCRV volunteer! But more importantly, this is a demonstration that PPCRV volunteers go far and wide to advocate CHAMP (Clean, Honest, Accurate,
The direct commitment of the baptized for a responsible vote in view of the May 2025 elections
Manila (Agenzia Fides) – The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) invites you to a journey of prayer and action in view of the May 2025 parliamentary elections. The ecclesial movement, founded in 1991, wants to contribute – both spiritually and with concrete actions – to the proper conduct of the elections. “We would like to invoke the help of Divine Providence so that Filipinos do their part to ensure transparent, honest, responsible and peaceful elections,” explains Ana Singson, spokesperson of the movement, which has carried out awareness campaigns in all dioceses, to Fides. Plans include liturgical celebrations organized by various Catholic parishes and schools, information and cultural events, study seminars and, finally, the mobilization of about 450,000 volunteers who will be deployed in polling stations and voting centers across the country to observe the electoral process in all its stages.The PPCRV has been duly accredited by the National Elections Commission (COMELEC) as the citizen body responsible for monitoring electoral processes. As the Elections Commission announced, the May 2025 election will see the introduction of the new automated voting system and, again, close monitoring by observers at the counting machines is necessary to ensure the complete regularity of the processes. “We are reaching out to the laity and especially to young people,” said Ana Singson, “in a non-partisan manner, but with the understanding that everyone’s contribution is crucial to ensure that the democratic process remains lively and meaningful for future generations.” The PPCRV sees young people as “not only the future of our democracy but also an essential part of its present.” “Young people,” the association said, “play a crucial role, not only for the future but also for the present.” The PPCRV held a general assembly in Manila last December, attended by 159 coordinators from dioceses across the country. They renewed their commitment to promote the principles of transparency, honesty, peace and accountability applied to the civil and political transition the country is currently undergoing. “This commitment is not a slogan but a profound reflection of Christ’s victory and his redemptive power. Christ calls each of us to embody hope, courage and integrity as we face the challenges before us,” said PPCRV President Evelyn Singson. The Archbishop of Caceres, Rex Alarcon, the spiritual advisor of the movement, stressed the importance of being an “informed conscience of the nation”: “Faith as a foundation and love of the country as a guide: if we follow these principles, every effort, no matter how small, contributes to building a nation characterized by integrity, justice and hope.” On January 12, a mass was celebrated in the Visayas region (Central Philippines) in the Archdiocese of Cebu. The Archbishop of Cebu, Jose S. Palma, who celebrated the mass, emphasized: “Our baptism makes us heralds of the Good News, leads us to witness our faith in Jesus and to make this testimony tangible in our activities and various services in society. Good politics is at the service of peace and the common good.” Another Mass will be held in Mindanao, in the south of the Philippines, as part of the initiative, and will be presided over by Romulo Valles, Archbishop of Davao.The legislative elections in the Philippines will take place on May 12, 2025. A total of 317 seats in the House of Representatives and 12 of the 24 seats in the Senate will be up for election in view of the 20th Congress of the Philippines. In addition, local elections will be held in all provinces, cities and municipalities in the country. They are called “midterm elections” because those elected will take office in the middle of the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 14/1/2024) https://www.fides.org/en/news/75901
The “Silsilah” movement’s commitment to peace, to prepare the ground for social and religious coexistence in Mindanao
Zamboanga (Agenzia Fides) – “Prayer is more powerful than war,” says the Advent message of the “Silsilah” movement for Islamic-Christian dialogue, which this year celebrated the 40th anniversary of its foundation by Father Sebastiano D’Ambra, missionary of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME). “Today we are called to intensify our prayer and to participate in the prayer and song of harmony in this difficult time for humanity, marked by wars and conflicts in various parts of the world,” hopes the missionary, who points out that “Christmas is a great opportunity to reflect on the message of love that Jesus Christ brought to the world, not only for Christians, but for all”. The movement reaffirms the message of “love of God, love of neighbor and love of the common good that Christianity, Islam and other religions proclaim” as it prepares to celebrate, together with all social, religious and political forces of the island of Minandao in the southern Philippines, the special World Week of Religious Harmony (1-7 February 2025), which falls during the Holy Year. “The period of the Jubilee Year is also a special time when we open the door of our hearts to everyone. This is what we always advocate in the Silsilah Movement, in the belief that dialogue comes from God and brings people back to God,” said Father D’Ambra.The movement also joined the “Week of Peace” in Mindanao, organized by the Conference of Religious Leaders of Mindanao, which ended on December 4. The annual event was launched in 2001 to promote development and protect peace in the region, to look back on the wounds of the past and build a future of reconciliation in a part of the archipelago where a large part of the Islamic population, about 6 million people, lives.All of these events serve to raise awareness and provide educational and cultural work and are intended to prepare for a historic step in 2025: the people of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will be able to directly elect their representatives for the first time in the regional parliamentary elections scheduled for May 2025.The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao currently consists of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur and Tawi-Tawi and was created from a peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The inclusion of the Sulu Islands as another province in the autonomous region is currently being considered. Currently, the region has a transitional government, the so-called “Bangsamoro Transition Authority”, which serves as an interim government until elections are held. If the elections are confirmed, voters will elect 80 members of parliament, including 40 party representatives, 25 district representatives and eight sector representatives, as well as local officials. The social structure of the clans will be decisive in the electoral campaign, and there are fears that the so-called “rido” phenomenon, a feud between clans with mutual retaliation, could lead to social conflicts in the region. For this reason, the initiatives and commitment of entities such as the “Silsilah” movement are particularly important and have both a concrete and symbolic meaning. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 14/12/2024) https://www.fides.org/en/news/75901
PPCRV – ISDA
Baha for Breakfast
Dear Pinas, may igaganda pa ang buhay! Gulatin mo sila sa 2025!
PPCRV aims to tap 450k volunteers for 2025 mid-term polls
Uncategorized
Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon of Caceres, spiritual adviser of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, celebrates Mass during the recent PPCRV national general assembly in Manila The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) targets to enlist nearly half a million volunteers to monitor next year’s midterm elections. Ana Singson, the PPCRV’s national communications director, said the group is targeting at least 450,000 volunteers to be deployed to polling precincts and canvassing centers nationwide. “We had 450,000 card-bearing members in 2022. We will start our mobilization soon and hope to achieve that… and more,” Singson said. In a separate statement, the PPCRV emphasized its focus on engaging youth members in the upcoming elections in a “non-partisan” way. The organization stressed that involving young people is vital in ensuring that the democratic process remains vibrant and meaningful “for generations to come.” “We especially call upon the youth, not just as the future of our democracy but as an essential part of its present. You, young people, have a critical role to play, not only for tomorrow but today,” said PPCRV. The PPCRV recently held its general assembly in Manila, attended by 159 coordinators from dioceses and archdioceses nationwide, as part of its preparations for the May 2025 elections. During the meeting, members of the Church-based group renewed their commitment to the principles of clean, honest, accurate, meaningful, and peaceful (CH.A.M.P.) elections. “This principle is more than a slogan. It is a profound reflection of Christ’s victory and saving power. It calls each of us to embody hope, courage, and integrity as we confront the challenges ahead,” said PPCRV chairperson Evelyn Singson. PPCRV National Spiritual Adviser Archbishop Rex Alarcon echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of serving as the informed conscience of the nation. “With faith as our foundation and love for country as our guide, we are reminded that each effort, no matter how small, contributes to building a nation of integrity, justice, and hope,” said Alarcon. The PPCRV has been regularly accredited as a citizens’ arm of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) during polls. Source: https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/ppcrv-aims-to-tap-450k-volunteers-for-2025-mid-term-polls/
PPCRV reaffirms commitment to safeguard 2025 polls
Uncategorized
The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) convenes its coordinators at the National General Assembly held from November 26 to 28, 2024 at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila. (Photo courtesy of PPCRV) MANILA, Philippines — The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) has reaffirmed its role in safeguarding the integrity of the 2025 midterm elections as the citizens’ election arm. During its National General Assembly held from November 26 to 28 that convened 159 coordinators nationwide, the PPCRV underscored that it is ready to be an “informed conscience of the nation” for the 2025 elections. “PPCRV remains steadfast in its commitment to truth, justice, and integrity,” PPCRV said in a statement on Monday. “We are non-partisan, but never neutral. We are never passive when confronted with truth versus lies,” it added, quoting Chairperson Emeritus Ambassador Henrietta de Villa. PPCRV is a national parish-based and non-partisan organization that advocates for clean and honest elections. Appeal to the youth PPCRV called on the youth to exercise their critical role in upholding the democracy by participating in the elections. “We especially call upon the youth—not just as the future of our democracy but as an essential part of its present. You young people have a critical role to play, not only for tomorrow but today,” PPCRV said. The poll watchdog said that the democratic process “remains vibrant” through education, vigilance and active participation. “Convince them of the power of their votes. They can write their future with the power of their votes,” PPCRV Chairperson Evelyn Singson added. Collective action PPCRV National Spiritual Adviser Archbishop Rex Alarcon, during the convention’s closing mass, emphasized the power of collective action in building “a nation of integrity, justice, and hope.” “We do not lose hope. Nation-building does not happen in one single election. It is a long-term endeavor, but here, through PPCRV we can make our contribution to society,” Alarcon said. Comelec demo The convention also saw Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia introducing the new automated election system and the demonstration of the automated counting machine (ACM) led by Comelec Director Shugar Carbero-Llacuna. The poll body kicked off the roadshow and demonstration of the ACMs on Monday across the country as part of the preparation for the 2025 polls. PPCRV Trustee, Spokesperson and Head for Voter Education Ana de Villa Singson also showcased ‘Tibok Pinoy,’ a series of books that underscores Filipino values for responsible voting. Read more: https://www.inquirer.net/422486/fwd-ppcrvs-reaffirms-commitment-to-safeguarding-integrity-of-2025-polls-3/#ixzz8tPJDP6Q7Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
HOMILY: THE POWER OF ONE
Uncategorized
PPCRV recently held its National Conference, convening PPCRV coordinators from across the country in preparation for National Elections 2025. As with all PPCRV events, a key highlight was the Eucharistic Celebration celebrated by Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon along with 16 other priest delegates. Please find in full Archbishop Alarcon’s very inspiring and motivating homily. He reminds us of the “power of one” and of how we can concretely act and engage and make a difference. CLICK HERE TO READ THE HOMILY
PPCRV NATIONAL CONFERENCE AND STATEMENT
Uncategorized
THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL CONVENES ITS NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND REAFFIRMS ITS UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO UPHOLD DEMOCRACY AND PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE ELECTORAL PROCESS The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) convened its National General Assembly from November 26 to 28, 2024, at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center. The event brought together 159 coordinators from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in preparation for the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE). This milestone gathering also celebrated 33 years of PPCRV’s unwavering service for the love of God and country, reaffirming its mission to uphold democracy, safeguard truth, and ensure CHAMP elections which are clean, honest, accurate, meaningful, and peaceful. The assembly began with a recollection led by Fr. Emmanuel “Nono” Alfonso, SJ, who challenged participants to find hope by “retraining our focus, harnessing the power of action, and embracing communities.” His message encouraged coordinators to anchor their work on faith and hope, reminding everyone that “faith in God is the foundation of hope.” The second day opened with a Mass celebrated by Msgr. Julius Heruela of Dumaguete, followed by inspiring messages from PPCRV’s founder and Chairperson Emeritus, Her Excellency Ambassador Henrietta T. de Villa who reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering commitment to truth and integrity through the years and Chairperson Evelyn Singson who called on volunteers and coordinators to champion and galvanize their vital role in ensuring Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful, and Peaceful (C.H.A.M.P.) elections most especially among the youth. COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia introduced the new automated election system, underscoring the importance of citizen arms like PPCRV in protecting the vote. Attendees participated in a hands-on demonstration of the new Automated Counting Machines (ACMs), led by COMELEC’s Dir. Shugar Carbero-Llacuna, ensuring readiness for the upcoming elections. This allowed coordinators to have a first hand experience of the machine before the COMELEC roadshows that will bring the demonstration down to the city/municipality level. Political analyst Christian Esguerra provided a national situationer, calling for increased civic engagement and accountability from both citizens and leaders. “We must invest in civics and pressure leaders to act justly for the people,” he urged. The day concluded with regional meetings, where coordinators assessed challenges, explored opportunities, and appointed sub-regional coordinators to strengthen local efforts. Key topics were mobilization of volunteers and the election roadmap as discussed by National Coordinator Dr. Arwin Serrano. The third day opened with Ana de Villa Singson, PPCRV Trustee, Spokesperson and Head for Voters Education rolling out TIBOK PINOY, a values formation program comprised of 5 books focusing on key values of a Model Filipino: MAKA -DIYOS, MATAPAT, MAGALANG, MATULUNGIN, MASIPAG, MAKABAYAN. A 6th book, MAPANURI aims to build the Model Netizen, mindful of etiquette in the internet, equipped to determine fact from fake news, discerning in assessing printed and audio-video materials. The 6-book series is accompanied by 11 podcasts all of which are fully downloadable for free from ppcrv.org. This pivot back to values aims to rekindle the moral fiber of our voters, most especially of the youth. In shaping voters who are Model Filipinos, the hope is that they will recognize and vote in other Model Filipinos too as our country’s leadership. Rommel Bernardo, who co-heads IT with Dr. William Yu, discussed PPCRV’s key audit of the elections, the Unofficial Parallel Count to be held in the PPCRV Command Center. He highlighted key differences most especially the presence of the QR code in the election return, enabling quicker scanning of physical ERs sent from all points of the country and enabling PPCRV to audit and post results not only of national positions but for the very first time, also of local positions. Coordinators from across the country responded by sharing their plans, hopes, challenges zeroing in on localizing plans, concepts and implementation. Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, PPCRV’s spiritual counsel, then took to the podium to give an inspiring speech which reiterated the need for a lay organization such as PPCRV to safeguard key national activities like the elections. Said Archbishop Alarcon “ We do not lose hope. We engage. … there are many cynics and critics who do nothing… we do not simply sit by and watch. We are doing something concrete. We make our contribution.” As with all key conferences of the PPCRV, we ended and began with the Eucharistic Celebration of the Mass, celebarated by Archbishop Alarcon and co-celebrated by 16 other priests among the congregation. PPCRV’s battlecry: Boto Ko! Dangal Ko! Ipagtatanggol Ko! We are getting ready for Elections 2025…and are recommitting to our cause. In closing, THE STATEMENT OF THE PPCRV NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY, November 2024: For distribution and circulation. Please contact Ana de Villa Singson, PPCRV Trustee, National Communications and Media Head, Spokesperson and Head for Voter’s Education, for any inquiries or clarifications regarding this issuance at 0917 5372066. Taken after the concluding mass celebrated by Archbishop Rex Alarcon along with the other priest delegates of PPCRV. 133 delegates from across the country attended. In the middle of the front row are Fr Julius Heruela of Dumaguete, PPCRV Spokesperson and Voters Education Head Ana de Villa Singson, ARchbishop Rex Alarcon, PPCRV Chairperson Evelyn Singson. Taken after the concluding mass celebrated by Archbishop Rex Alarcon along with the other priest delegates of PPCRV. 133 delegates from across the country attended. In the middle of the front row are Fr Julius Heruela of Dumaguete, PPCRV Spokesperson and Voters Education Head Ana de Villa Singson, ARchbishop Rex Alarcon, PPCRV Chairperson Evelyn Singson. Taken after the concluding mass celebrated by Archbishop Rex Alarcon along with the other priest delegates of PPCRV. 133 delegates from across the country attended. In the middle of the front row are Fr Julius Heruela of Dumaguete, PPCRV Spokesperson and Voters Education Head Ana de Villa Singson, ARchbishop Rex Alarcon, PPCRV Chairperson Evelyn Singson. Chair Emeritus and Co-Founder of PPCRV, Her Excellency Ambassador Henrietta Tambunting de Villa remarks on a history of exemplary contribution dedication towards upholding democracy and being vanguards of Philippine elections. Comelec Chairman
Launch of the Local Source Code Review (LSCR) for the 2025 National and Local Election.
PPCRV delegates and reviewers in full force at the Launch of the Local Source Code Review (LSCR) for the 2025 National and Local Election. PPCRV Volunteers headed by Dr. William Yu ( PPCRV IT Head), Don Sacamos, Source Code Review PPCRV TM leader and Ryan Ty of Cloud Security Alliance together with COMELEC Chair Garcia, Oct. 11, 2024. The LSCR NLE2025 is open for the Public to participate with the COMELEC to review the programs and systems that will be used for the NLE in 2025. This is the opportunity for all of us to ensure that systems used for the elections are not tampered or alter the true results of the elections. The volunteers of PPCRV render their time to review the various systems from the printing of the ballot, to the machine used during elections, to the systems that count all the votes to declare the winners in the election. That all these adhere to our advocacy of CHAMP (Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful, and Peaceful) elections.The review covers: