Comelec creates task force for poll firm registration

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has formed a task force for the implementation of a resolution mandating organizations and individuals conducting election-related surveys during the election period to register with the poll body before releasing the results.

On Monday, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said their Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) would lead Task Force Respeto. However, excluded from the registration are media entities, and cause-oriented groups.

“Yan yung ating crineate na task force na ipa-aaprove natin sa ating commission en banc. Sila ang responsible sa pagpapatupad ng guidelines natin sa regulation patungkol sa survey organizations and firms,” said Garcia.

(We created a task force that we will propose with the en banc. They will be responsible for the implementation of the guidelines for the registration of poll firms.)

“Gusto natin i-emphasize ang aming regulation patungkol sa surveys ay hindi applicable sa regulation sa pagpaparehistro sa ating mga media entities, religious organizations, cause-oriented groups, civic organizations, at educational institutions,” he added.

(We want to emphasize that the registration is not applicable with media entities, religious organizations, cause-oriented groups, civic organizations, and educational institutions.)

Garcia said the task force is set to meet with polling firms on Thursday, February 26 to ask for their commitment and pledge to adhere to the Comelec’s guidelines.

“Naniniwala kami na gusto nila na ma-regulate kasi ang iba nakikipag-kompetensya sa kanila…Level playing field ang gusto ng Comelec dito lalo na sa mga kandidato na walang pambayad sa ganun,” he added.

(We believe they want to be regulated. The Comelec wants a level-playing field for everyone.)

Comelec Reso 11117

Last week, the Comelec issued Resolution No. 11117, which states that only pre-registered entities shall be authorized to conduct and publicly disseminate election surveys related to the 2025 national and local elections and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections.

"During the election period, any person, whether natural or juridical, candidate, or organization that conducts and publicly disseminates an election survey must register with the Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) of the Commission," the seven-page resolution read.

Survey firms that have already been conducting and disseminating election surveys prior to the publication of the resolution were given by the Comelec a grace period of 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 time frame shall result in the suspension of their authority to conduct and public elections surveys," it added.

Those conducting election surveys shall submit a comprehensive report to the Comelec through the PFAD within five days from the publication of the survey.

Meawnhile, Garcia called on media entities to include the polling firms behind the surveys when reporting the pre-election results. He also said the survey firms may face election offenses should they fail to register with the Comelec.

“Dalawa po ang requirement: registration, reporting. Kinakailangan iregister at kailangan gumawa sila ng report sa amin. Gusto namin malaman magkano ang binayad, sino ang nagpa-commission, ano ang scientific method, etc. Yung mga ginagawang kalsada surveys, di po kasama yun. Yung surveys ng dyaryo, radyo, ‘di kasama yun sapagkat yan ay part ng news and public affairs program,” Garcia added.

(We have two requirements: registration and reporting. They need to register and submit a report to us. We want to know how much they were paid, who commissioned, the scientific method. The surveys of newspapers, radio, and media entities are not included.) — RSJ, GMA Integrated News

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