Comelec okays PPCRV application as citizen's arm

MANILA, Philippines -  The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved the application of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) as its citizen’s arm in the continuing registration of voters and the 2010 polls.

Comelec officials, however, emphasized in a resolution that the PPCRV “shall be non-partisan and impartial during the registration period (and) it shall not be under the influence whatsoever of any foreign government corporation or entity, and shall not solicit or receive, directly or indirectly, any contribution or aid of whatever form or nature (from them).”

“Considering that the PPCRV has participated in the past electoral exercises where it has ably demonstrated its capacity to promote the public interest and to assist the Commission in the performance of its functions and activities, there is no reason to withhold accreditation to the said entity as a citizens’ arm,” the resolution reads.

The Comelec is presently conducting the continuing registration of voters as part of its preparations for next year’s polls. 

The registration will end on Dec. 15, 2009.

There are currently 48 million registered voters while nine million first-time voters are expected to register.