THE Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) will both be constant partners of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in all political exercises until prior to the May 2025 midterms polls.
In separate resolutions, the Comelec en Banc accredited Namfrel and PPCRV as citizens' arm groups for all electoral exercises between now and the May 2025 polls.
"Wherefore, the Commission (En Banc) resolves to grant the instant Petition. Petitioner Namfrel is hereby accredited as citizens' arm of the Commission for all electoral exercises, such as but not limited to, special elections, plebiscites, initiatives, referendums, and recall elections, but not including regular elections," said the Comelec.
"Considering that the Petitioner has an extensive membership in its constituency, and has participated and helped the Commission during the 09 May 2022 NLE (National and Local Elections), it has the capacity to undertake the activities in order to assist the Commission in the performance of its mandate in all the political activities or exercises prior to the 2025 Midterm Elections. Wherefore, premises considered, the Petition for accreditation of PPCRV as citizens' arm of Comelec is hereby granted," said the Comelec.
The Commission said Namfrel was accredited due to its proven non-partisanship, extensive track record and lack of opposition to its petition.
On the other hand, PPCRV has been accredited due to its non-partisan, identifiable membership and leadership structure, and proven capacity to help the Comelec.
Among the forthcoming electoral exercises are the Maguindanao Plebiscite (September 17), Ormoc City Plebiscite (October 8), Baliwag, Bulacan Plebiscite (January 14), and the Cavite special polls.
Also scheduled to be held is the December 5 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
In a separate interview, Acting Comelec Spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said this would mark the first time that the poll body is granting accreditation beyond a particular poll exercise.
"In the past, when groups file applications, it is only for a specific election. I believe this is the first time that petitions to accredited citizens arm were granted for a certain period," said Laudiangco.
"The next time they will apply to be accredited citizens arm will be for the May 2025 elections," he added.
He said this was prompted by the changes in the policies of the Comelec.
"Instead of still waiting for them to apply, these same groups, the Comelec en Banc decided to just give them a continuing accreditation," said Laudiangco.
He, however, said this does not prevent any other organizations from seeking similar accreditation from the commission.
"Others may still file their applications (as citizens arm)," said Laudiangco. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)