In anticipation of the 2022 elections, COMELEC has introduced a polling precinct finder that has been made available online for some time now to assist the registered voters prior to election day. Villanueva encourages everyone to use this site and know their precincts before going to their designated voting centres to come prepared. Furthermore, Villanueva assured that PPCRV volunteers have been given equipment and software to aid them in their manning of voter's assistance desks. Considering the ongoing threat of the pandemic, the PPCRV has also implemented health safety precautions for its volunteers and voting centres, in accordance with the IATF guidelines. "Better come prepared to your voting centres—already knowing your precinct, has your list of who to vote—so that you can minimise the time you will be there," says Villanueva, as it is expected that voting centres will be packed on election day.

Meanwhile, the PPCRV takes pride in what it is doing at the moment at the command centre at UST. The spacious arena is being equipped with modern gadgets and screens for the transmission of data and the quick count of votes, as well as COVID-19 precautionary measures being installed in every part of the building.

"The unofficial parallel count is one of the key centres of our mandate," says Villanueva. "At 7 o'clock, when the polling precincts close, our volunteers will pick up a 'fourth copy' of election returns from 106,000 precincts over 37,000 voting centres. It is at this time that the election board, or our teachers, would print copies of these election returns before the machines transmit election returns electronically to the transparency server and the COMELEC server. We receive the 'fourth copy' from our volunteers here at the command centre and we match them with the result of the transparency server, which we also have access to," Villanueva explains. "This we do to ensure that there is no 'dagdag-bawas' (anomaly in the counting) happening."

Every election, challenges with the automated system of counting and other equipment anomalies do happen. But Villanueva assures that the PPCRV and the COMELEC are prepared for these and strive to mitigate these flaws. "The glitch in the transparency server during last elections was caused by the server's underperformance. This time we have made sure that it can gather a significantly larger amount of data," she says.

Villanueva reiterates PPCRV's reminders of choosing the right leaders to vote: "They really have to imbue the values that are enshrined in our constitution: faithful to God, just and humane, environmentally concerned, and patriotic." These are just some of the overarching guideposts in the 16 values stated in our 1986 Constitution. "But for me personally, I would look at the past service and the future promises of the leader who wants my vote and I'll see if they align together. It is very important that the person I vote for is going to be a servant-leader who really is authentic in a way he/she would serve me and serve my aspirations for our country," she shares.

In the recent issue of Catholic priests, bishops and other members of the clergy, as well as Catholic universities endorsing particular candidates, Villanueva reaffirms that the PPCRV, albeit a lay movement of the Catholic Church, is non-partisan. "It has not tainted the image of the PPCRV and I think it's because of the work of many years of credible participation of the PPCRV," Villanueva answers. "The bishops and the clergy are citizens, too. They have the right to say what they need to say just like every one of us. However, as PPCRV volunteers, we do not accept people who are campaigning or publicly endorsing candidates," she clarifies. "Remember that we are a lay movement, and so we are separate from the official structures of the Church. However, we have a wonderful relationship with our Church and the support has been incredible. I have not felt any pressure from them or whatsoever with regards to that matter."

"This right and privilege to vote, let's not take it for granted. Imagine, one person with one vote and this will be counted very quickly across 106,000 precincts making us know the results in very few days. But behind that is a lot of hard work and the aspiration of all of our citizens for a better future. I really do hope that you take the time to think, pray and discern, and cast your votes," she imparts for the millions of registered voters coming on election day.

"To the volunteers, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. . .you are our heroes!" Villanueva exclaims. "The volunteers, they are the best people I've ever met in my entire life. They give their time and effort for free, despite all of the challenges in the heated election. I give my heartfelt thanks to all of them."

As milestone improvements in the PPCRV shine during her chairmanship,Villanueva also says that she is very much willing to pass the baton some time from now. "I do believe that there should be transitions and if the time comes that someone else can do the job better, I would gladly step down. I don't think one should stay in this position long. There are so many qualified people who want to serve our country."

NOW READ

Colour in PH Politics: What are You Wearing on Halalan 2022?

The "Women of Impact" 2022 List: Filipinas Who Have Made Their Mark

Must Watch Socio-Political and Historical Films