Comelec to regulate election surveys

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) intends to regulate election surveys to prevent them from “influencing” voters’ decisions in choosing candidates.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia yesterday reported that members of the poll body agreed to review a Supreme Court (SC) decision affirming the legality of election surveys.

“We’re having to review the Supreme Court decision, if it’s still applicable. Because, to a certain extent, (surveys) create a tendency to influence people,” he pointed out.

Though election surveys are not prohibited, Garcia said these must strictly comply with the requirements imposed by the SC in its ruling.

He observed that election surveys usually do not cite who commissioned the study, who paid for the survey and where the respondents came from, and do not comply with the scientific methods required under the SC decision.

“So, for us, we’re determining if the Comelec should insist on regulating surveys, so voters won’t be influenced with their decision,” Garcia said.

He noted that Filipinos usually vote for candidates who are shown leading in surveys.

“The right of choice disappears because of the surveys,” Garcia added.

The Comelec, he said, is not against election surveys. However, Garcia said the Comelec will undertake the review of the propriety of allowing survey firms to release results if those are compliant with the SC decision.