Election 2022

Hello guys, warm evening to each and everyone!

How are you guys doing? Hmmmmm how was your casting of votes? Did it went well? I hope so it is. I see some part of Mindanao's election very bad especially to Muslims, they were commiting crime during the election as if they never respect themselves of chosing their leaders.

So as I was saying on my previous article, I am one of the watchers. However I am different, I don't have side to choose, I mean I stand for a neutral watcher because I represent the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting. So what is PPCRV?

• The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) is a non-hardliner, non-partisan, non-benefit association partnered with the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines that attempts to guarantee free, fair and extortion free decisions in the Philippines. The association has been the "residents' arm" of the Commission of Elections beginning around 2010. PPCRV conducts the Unofficial Parallel Count of profits after the political decision.

So since I am one of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, I never expect any personal payments. So we the PPCRV guarantee a free, fair and extortion free decisions in the Philippines, our country.

How did I became a PPCRV watcher?

• Last May 4, 2022, we had our briefing about the PPCRV's qualifications, do's and dont's, the attitude that every watchers must have during the election day.

• Last May 6, 2022 we had our Final Testing and Sealing of the machine to be used on the election day. We met the Chairperson, Third member, and the Poll clerk on the precinct we assigned. On that day we witness how the machine is turn on, how to start voting, counting of votes, transmitting ER ( Electoral Reports ) and so on. After witnesses, I can really say that the EB ( Electoral Board ) must learn the right process of the machine because in my precinct they find it hard, and they've been repeatedly found problem while following the instructions they are reading. After so many attempts, luckily our teachers have learned, as well as us, poll watchers.

• Last May 6, 2022, we had our seminar at our Lady of Fatima Parish together with our priest. On that day they discuss again the qualifications that every watchers must have like ( registered voter of course, good occupation, has not been convicted by final judgement of any election offense or any crime, knows how to read and write in short literate, and not related to the Fourth Civil Degree Of Consanguinity or Affinity to the polling BEI's in the polling place where he seeks appointment as a watcher ) ,how election works, our tasks as a watcher, our rights as a watchers, how does counting pf votes works, how cheating is done before and during the election hours, and many more.

So as a watcher are we allowed to use phone during the election hours?

• Yes! We are allowed, because if any problems occur like cheating or a voter is taking photo of his/ her ballot, we could use our cellphones to record the crime that e voter has done and report it directly to the comelec, or it could be use if ever one of the EB members don't allow us or harass us to step outside, we can take a record or a photo during the incident and so we could report it directly to the highest.

What is not allowed to be done as a watcher?

• Taking a zoom photo/video of the voter ( ballots and their shaded candidates ) during their voting time.

• looking and asking for their opinions

• communicating to voters,

• blackmailing,

Are voters allowed to bring list of their candidates to be vote?

• Yes they are allowed, as long as they are not taking photo on their ballots.

So yesterday May 9, 2022 we arrived at our assigned precinct at 4:30 am. Watchers must arrived first so we could witness the opening of the machine. At exactly 5 am, the Chairperson started the operations and we did our part, to watch. At exactly 6 am, voting hours started. Senior citizens, PWD, pregnants are allowed to vote first.

So far, on my whole day experience of being a watcher, none of our voters committed crime and the voting hours has went very well. At exactly 7 in the evening the Chairperson close the voting hours. After that we had our tasks which is to print and seal important papers. We finished our tasks together with the EB at 11 pm. It's late at night and we still needs to deliver our sealed and the VCM to the LGU.

After sealing, we reported our machine comelec things like ( marking pens, ballot secrecy folder, envelopes, and etc. ) So after we deliver our machine at the Local Government Unit, we take our exit and we ask for the ER ( ELECTORAL REPORT ) and send it on our Parish.

Yesterday was tiring but exciting. It was my first time and my first time is great. I am happy to witness how election works and I did also cast my first ever vote. How about you? Did you successfully cast your vote?

The EB members are great, so far they never treat us poorly nor harass us.

My experience was great and even though i feel so tired, I am glad because I contributed my help to my country. Being a watcher is a challenge, but being a watcher is good. It was a great experience I ever had, and I would love to be a watcher till the next season of voting.

Congratulations to all winners!

I hope your choosen leaders deserved your votes. Thank you!

That would be all guys, have a great evening!

SALAMAT ❤️