PPCRV executive denies bias in Makati barangay polls

MANILA, Philippines - An official of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) denied yesterday allegations that its volunteers showed bias during the conduct of the Oct. 25 barangay polls in San Lorenzo Village, Makati City.

Dr. Arwin Serrano, the PPCRV’s Makati coordinator, said in a telephone interview that the allegations lack merit. He dared accusers to show evidence.

Amery Santiago, wife of defeated barangay chairman candidate John Jay Santiago, said PPCRV volunteers openly supported the candidacy of proclaimed barangay chairman Ernesto Moya.

She and her group also asked PPCRV chairman Henrietta de Villa to investigate their complaints. They are also calling for the revocation of accreditation of PPCRV volunteers, saying the volunteers must always be non-partisan and should not take sides with any candidate.

Santiago specifically cited Serrano, who reportedly showed his support for Moya during the court hearings on the election protest filed by her husband.

Serrano claimed he had attended only one court hearing on the protest filed by Santiago to monitor the development of the case. He said he had been attending five other hearings on different protests filed by other candidates in Makati. 

“PPCRV volunteers are not being paid, nor are we related with any candidate. So what do we get if we take sides?” Serrano, who claimed to be the whistle-blower in the overpriced ballot secrecy folder deal entered into by the Commission on Elections with a supplier, said in Filipino.

Serrano also lashed out at Santiago’s camp for not furnishing him a copy of the complaint letter. “How can I answer their accusations when I am not aware of the complaints they sent to (chairwoman) De Villa?” he said.