Think election watchdog and two names readily come to mind — NAMFREL and PPCRV.
While both organizations have taken prominent roles in the past national elections, they are also known to be closely connected with the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines. In Philippine politics, the perceived power of religious groups to influence votes often lead people to wonder about the neutrality and objectivity of both PPCRV and NAMFREL. The Catholic Church is openly vocal about their “preferred” candidates especially at the national level. Given their close association with the Catholic Church, how can poll watchers or election watchdogs assure genuine neutrality and objectivity with respect to candidates known to be on opposing sides of certain issues with the Catholic Church or other religious groups?
PRESS CONFERENCE
Venue: Annabel’s Restaurant
Time and Date: 13 March 2013
10am – 12 noon
Speakers:
Welcome Remarks
Benjamin D. de Leon
President, Forum for FP and Dev’t., Inc.
Panel:
Dir. James Jimenez
Commission on Elections
Ms. Corazon dela Paz-Bernardo
President, NAMFREL
and
Representative
Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV)
Reactors:
Dr. Ernesto M. Pernia
Trustee, Forum for FP and Development, Inc.
Mr. Red Tani
President, Filipino Freethinkers
MEDIA COVERAGE IS REQUESTED
Please confirm with: Chi Laigo Vallido, Advocacy Specialist (09189443850)
Forum for Family Planning and Development, Inc.