Comelec’s Jimenez tells public: Exit polls not official tally of votes

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday reminded the public that exit votes are not considered as Eleksyon 2022 official vote tally.

"An 'exit poll' is not the official tally of votes cast in the 2022 National and Local Elections. Tandaan din na bibilangin lang ang mga boto ng Overseas Voting on May 9, AFTER the close of polls," Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a tweet.

An “exit poll” is not the official tally of votes cast in the 2022 National and Local Elections. Tandaan din na bibilangin lang ang mga boto ng Overseas Voting on May 9, AFTER the close of polls. #votesafepilipinas

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) April 10, 2022

Jimenez made the remark to warn the public about the exit polls tally posted by some social media pages as the overseas absentee voting started on Sunday.

"As a general rule, unless na ang nag labas ng exit poll ay isang kilala at reputable na survey firm, hindi ito reliable. Lalo na sa social media, madaling gumawa ng official looking forms or graphics na mukhang legit," he added.

As a general rule, unless na ang nag labas ng exit poll ay isang kilala at reputable na survey firm, hindi ito reliable. Lalo na sa social media, madaling gumawa ng official looking forms or graphics na mukhang legit. #votesafepilipinas https://t.co/xKPnECFper

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) April 10, 2022

Some polling centers for overseas absentee voters have already opened on Sunday. Voters abroad who applied for this voting option can cast their ballots until May 9, 2022 or Election Day in the Philippines. 

For his part, Comelec Commissioner George Garcia urged voters to believe election results only after May 9.

“Ang importante pong paniniwalaan natin ay ‘yung result ng election on May 9. ‘Yun po kasi bibilangin ang boto. And therefore, kapag nabilang natin, ‘yun po ang pinakamagandang exit polls,” Garcia said at a news briefing.

(The important thing to believe is the result of the elections on May 9. That is when we will count the votes. And therefore, when we count those votes, those are the best exit polls.)

“Ang importante our voters are able to vote based on their conscience, freely and without any influence even from the so-called exit polls,” he added.

(The important thing is our voters are able to vote based on their conscience, freely and without any influence even from the so-called exit polls. — Hana Bordey and Mel Matthew Doctor/RSJ, GMA News