MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is currently reviewing the earlier ruling of the Supreme Court (SC) on the legality of surveys and if private companies are following guidelines.
In a press conference on Monday, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia noted that they are studying the SC decision on the Social Weather Stations (SWS) vs. Comelec case.
“Actually, the SC has a decision on SWS vs Comelec, affirming the legality of the surveys. The members of the Commission are now reviewing the decision of the SC to see if it is still applicable because to a certain extent if it has really influenced the people,” he said.
“It’s not really illegal, but the question is, did they follow the requirements included in the SC decision? In the surveys we see, did they include who made the survey, who paid (for the survey) where the respondents came from, the scientific method that was used. That’s what the Supreme Court said in its decision,” he added.
Garcia noted that they are considering regulating surveys to ensure that voters are not influenced by them.
“So for us, should the Comelec insist on regulating surveys so that the public are not influenced in their decision?” he said, noting that there is “the tendency that people will follow those who are winning in surveys.”
“Because of this, we lose the right of choice,” Garcia said.
Garcia said they are not against surveys “but we will now conduct a review of the propriety of allowing survey firms to release results if not compliant with the decision of SC.” (PNA)