MANILA, Philippines – The poll watchdog Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) on Monday, August 15, announced the election of former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rene Sarmiento as its new chairman.

Sarmiento will begin his term on November 1.

The former Comelec commissioner will serve as PPCRV chairman for 6 years, until October 31, 2022. 

Sarmiento succeeds Ambassador Henrietta “Tita” de Villa, who co-founded PPCRV with the late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin in 1991.

De Villa announced her retirement from PPCRV on May 3.

PPCRV said Sarmiento served as Comelec commissioner for 7 years, and handled both the manual and automated election systems.

The PPCRV said that Sarmiento “is credited for spearheading the cause of Persons with Disability (PWD) voters by providing special voting spaces for them in voting centers nationwide.”

He “is also known as a peace advocate who formed part of the government peace panels of past administrations.”

In an interview with Rappler before he retired as Comelec commissioner in February 2013, Sarmiento said he is proud of having kept his record clean during his 7-year stint. – Rappler.com