A church-backed election watchdog in the Philippines is urging parishes around the country to help in the registration of new voters ahead of next year's village and youth elections.
"Parishes can make use of the pulpit in announcing the forthcoming voters registration," said Rene Sarmiento, chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).
The country's Commission on Elections has set the resumption of the registration of new voters starting Nov. 7 until April 29 next year.
"We want to campaign for more registrants. That is first in our agenda," said Sarmiento, adding that the group will later explore "how we can further empower the marginalized."
He said his group would also study how victims of armed conflicts or natural calamities can register and vote during elections.
The PPCRV is a church-backed organization that works to ensure free, fair, and fraud-free elections in the Philippines.