In Negros Oriental Province, Negros Island, a local priest has successfully mobilized 8,000 Filipino volunteers to observe the 12 May midterm elections, assist voters, and support the local election administration. Our two EU long-term observers deployed to the island met with him and the volunteers to learn more about their activities.

Election observation has a long tradition in the Philippines. Monsignor Heruela has been observing elections for 30 years and serves as local coordinator for the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV). PPCRV is active across the Philippines, alongside other Filipino civil society groups such as the National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) and the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE).

Domestic observers are always valuable interlocutors for international election observers, as they are rooted in local communities and can provide insights into voting patterns and challenges, helping international teams better understand the local electoral dynamics.