Ambassador Henrietta De Villa has resigned as national chairperson of the National Citizens Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) to focus her attention on leading the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).

De Villa, who assumed the chairmanship of Namfrel last year, tendered her resignation to the Namfrel National Council last September 24, 2009.

In her letter to the Namfrel’s national vice chairman Jose L. Cuisia Jr., De Villa said she tendered her resignation so as to devote her full time as head of the PPCRV in light of the heavy demands for voter education entailed by the automated election system.

She thanked Namfrel for the “trust in trying out a new leadership.”

Namfrel executives said they respect and accept De Villa’s decision.

The poll watchdog thanked De Villa for her invaluable contributions to Namfrel, particularly to its crusade for free and honest elections.

Aside from De Villa, Namfrel also revealed the resignations of four other members who will actively support various candidates in the 2010 elections.

These include Ambassador Narcisa Escaler, Ramon R. del Rosario, Edward Go, and Alberto Lim.

Namfrel’s National Council said it the resignation of the four is in accordance with the organization’s policy of non-partisanship.

Namfrel also assured the public that its leadership and volunteerism initiatives remain strong despite the departure of De Villa and four of its members.

Cuisia will function as acting national chairman of Namfrel.