Comelec tightens rules on poll surveys, requires registration for transparency

DAVAO CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is now requiring all survey firms conducting and publishing election-related surveys to register and submit comprehensive reports as part of efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in pre-election polling.

Under Resolution No. 11117, promulgated on Thursday, the Comelec en banc mandates that any individual, candidate, or organization conducting and publicly disseminating an election survey must register with the Comelec–Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD).

Only pre-registered entities will be authorized to conduct and publish election surveys.

Survey firms already operating must register within 15 days of the resolution’s effectivity. During this period, they may continue operations, but failure to comply will result in suspending their authority to conduct and publish election surveys.

All registered survey firms must submit a comprehensive report within five days of publishing their survey results.

Reports must include details on where and how the survey was published.

Broadcast and print media can only publish election surveys if they include the name of the firm that conducted the survey and the entity, candidate, or party that commissioned or paid for it.

The same requirement applies to online publications and social media platforms.

Ensuring Transparency in Poll Surveys

The Comelec emphasized that these measures are intended to curb misinformation and ensure the integrity of election surveys, recognizing their significant influence in shaping voter preferences.

Failure to comply with the new guidelines will be considered an election offense, which carries legal penalties under election laws.