Dr Arwin Serrano of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) says that at least 350,000 volunteers are set for the elections on Monday, May 12.
In an interview on DZRH’s Special on Saturday, Serrano discussed their preparation with volunteers, including his estimated hours for the final tally count. According to the former, their local coordinators are preparing to distribute the t-shirts, IDs, and training for the volunteers.
They are also coordinating with the principals to ensure that the voting centers and pieces of equipment are in place.
“Ganon din sa pakikipag-ugnayan nila sa mga principal, sa mga gagamitin na voting center, at ganon din yung mga iba pang kakailangan nila na kagamitan, [tulad ng] mga computer, mga laptop, mga tables and chairs na gagamitin para sa aming voters assistance desk sa araw ng halalan,” he said.
“Yan yung most likely na ginagawa sa amin pong mga kasamang volunteers sa PPCRV,” he added.
At least 350,000 volunteers are set for the upcoming elections. However, Serrano said that interested volunteers may still apply until today.
“Pupunta lang sila sa pinakamalapit na Katolikong parokya. Hindi sila kinakailangang maging Katoliko at doon ay magfill-up ng form at sana mayroon na silang dalang dalawang ID picture para maging volunteer. Aattend sila ng seminar, training matapos kumuha ng form saka sila makakasama sa listahan ng mga volunteers,” he explained.
“Maari pa silang lumapit ngayong araw pero baka hanggang ngayong araw na lamang talaga kayo maaccomodate dahil sa mga susunod na araw ay paghahanda na para sa eleksyon,” he added.
On handing out sample ballots
Similar to what the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said, Serrano pointed out that one of their main concerns is those who hand out sample ballots and lists to passersby.
He also pointed out those who attempt to put additional campaign materials out until midnight and the early hours of the election day. Although it is a recurring problem, he said that the Comelec takes these violations seriously and will impose the necessary sanctions if needed.
He also stressed that candidates are told to halt their campaigns a day before the elections.
For voters, Serrano assured that voter assistance desks will be available for those with concerns and incident reports.
The Miru system
A day after the news conference, Serrano said they hope that the new automated counting machines’ (ACMs) performance will go smoothly come election day.
“Siyempre hoping and praying na magiging maayos yung kanyang performance sa mismong araw ng halalan. Hopefully dahil mga bago ito, hindi magkakaroon ng aberya ang ating gagawing pagboto using this machine,” he said.
“Napaghandaan naman ito ng Comelec and hopefully, magkakaroon tayo ng maayos na halalan sa Lunes,” he added.
With this, Serrano said that if voting goes smoothly, the public may hear about the election results earlier than their anticipated times. Despite this, the Comelec would still be one to formally announce the results.
“Doon naman sa amin, bagamat makikita na rin namin yan, dahil meron naman kaming specific PPCRV transmission server, yung aming gagawing unofficial parallel count, tuloy-tuloy pa rin yan kahit na tapos na yung eleksyon [at] na-deklara na yung mga kandidato. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin namin gagawin yan hanggang makatapos itong buwan na ito,” he said.
Election concerns
“Katulad rin ng iba, nababahala din kami..lalo na doon sa lugar sa BARMM, some parts of Mindanao, ibang lugar like Abra at yung ilang lugar siguro sa norte, at yung mga talagang minamanmanan ng ating security forces; kasi may mga volunteers dyan,” he said.
Serrano explained that due to the intense political rivalry in the area, there may be tension even on the day of the elections. However, he still hopes that the day will remain relatively peaceful, for the sake of the citizens.
“Sana maging mas matiwasay, mas maayos at katanggap-tanggap yung ating magiging resulta ng halalan. At sa kabuoan, [sana] wala namang untoward incident na mangyari,” he ended.
