In every election cycle, much of the spotlight falls on candidates, campaign rallies, and the results. Yet, behind the scenes, thousands of committed individuals work tirelessly to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. Among them are the dedicated volunteers of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV)— true champions of clean, honest, accurate, meaningful, and peaceful elections.
Here in the parish of St. Stephen the Protomartyr, our PPCRV volunteers, our unsung heroes of democracy, play a vital and crucial role in the recently concluded National and Local Elections 2025.
Founded on the principle of faith-driven civic engagement, the PPCRV has consistently played an important role in ensuring transparency and accountability during Philippine elections. In both national and local contests, their volunteers—often ordinary citizens, students, church workers, and professionals—transform into vigilant guardians of democracy.
PPCRV volunteers have been instrumental in spreading awareness about voter rights, the importance of informed decision-making, and the ethical responsibilities of both voters and candidates. Their grassroots campaigns and seminars reach even the most remote communities, fostering a culture of responsible voting.
On election day, PPCRV volunteers serve as impartial poll watchers across thousands of precincts. Their presence deters irregularities and reinforces public trust in the electoral process. With meticulous attention to detail, they monitor the conduct of the elections, ensuring that procedures are followed according to law.
One of PPCRV’s most renowned contributions is their parallel vote tabulation— a massive, volunteer-led operation that manually encodes election returns (ERs) to compare with official results. This verification process provides a critical check against fraud and technical errors, reinforcing the credibility of the outcome.
PPCRV volunteers unwavering integrity and service is very evident. Despite long hours, limited resources, and high-pressure conditions, PPCRV volunteers exhibit unwavering integrity, guided by faith and a shared commitment to the common good. Their service is a powerful testament to the strength of civic responsibility rooted in moral conviction.
The success of PPCRV volunteers lies not only in the technical aspects of their work but also in their ability to inspire trust and unity across political lines. Their presence in every election has consistently contributed to more peaceful, orderly, and transparent voting experiences.
Their efforts remind us that democracy does not begin and end with casting a ballot—it lives in the vigilance, integrity, and sacrifice of those who safeguard the process. As the nation moves forward, the role of PPCRV volunteers remains indispensable—a shining example of active, faith-based citizenship at its finest.
Their efforts remind us that democracy does not begin and end with casting a ballot—it lives in the vigilance, integrity, and sacrifice of those who safeguard the process. As the nation moves forward, the role of PPCRV volunteers remains indispensable—a shining example of active, faith-based citizenship at its finest.
Ana Liza L. Revidad
Parokya Patroller
