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MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is requiring all survey companies to register and submit comprehensive reports of all its surveys that have been conducted.
In Resolution No. 11117 promulgated Thursday, the Commission en banc said any person, candidate, or organization that conducts and publicly disseminates an election survey are required to register with the Comelec- Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD).
“Only pre-registered entities shall be authorized to conduct and publicly disseminate election surveys… this requirement shall be applied prospectively,” it said.
The poll body said survey firms that have already been conducting and disseminating election surveys are given 15 days from the date of effectivity to complete their registration.
“During this period, they may continue their operations, but failure to register within the prescribed timeframe shall result in the suspension of their authority to conduct and publish election surveys,” it added.
The poll body said all registered survey companies or any entity conducting election surveys has to submit a comprehensive report to the PFAD.
“The report must be submitted within five days from the publication of the survey, (and) must include details on where the results were published,” it added.
As for broadcast media, they shall only publish an election survey if it contains the name of the entity, which conducted the survey along with the name/s of the person, candidate, party, or organization that commissioned or paid for the survey.
“This requirement shall also apply to survey firms publishing their materials online, including through social media platforms,” the Comelec said.
It said the regulations on poll surveys are necessary to promote transparency considering its “significant influence” in shaping voter preferences.
The Comelec warned that failure to comply with the guidelines shall be tantamount to an election offense. — Ferdinand Patinio (PNA)
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Credit belongs to: www.pna.gov.ph
