Survey firms ordered to register with Comelec ahead of 2025 polls

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has required organizations and individuals conducting election-related surveys amid the election period to register with the poll body before releasing the results.

Based on Resolution 11117 dated February 19, 2025, the Comelec said 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.

Candidates' spending on surveys

The total amount spent by candidates on such surveys should also be disclosed, if applicable. The poll body may use the data to verify the candidates' reported expenses in their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).

Meanwhile, broadcast media providers are required to only publish the surveys if it contains the name of the entity that conducted the survey, as well as the names of the person, candidate, party or organization that commissioned or paid for the survey, if any.

This also applies to all survey firms publishing their materials online, including through social media platforms.

The Comelec warned that those who fail to comply with the disclosure or reporting requirements shall face strict penalties, which may include fines, suspension of accreditation, or even legal action.

Sought for comment, survey firm Pulse Asia told GMA News Online that it was still reviewing the Comelec resolution.

OCTA Research, meanwhile, declined to comment on the matter.

Social Weather Stations (SWS) and OCTA Research have yet to respond to GMA News Online's request for a statement as of posting time.

The election period for the 2025 midterm elections started on January 12 and will be until June 11, 2025.

Meanwhile, the 90-day campaign period for the national candidates (senatorial candidates and party-list groups) kicked off on February 11 and will last until May 10. As for the local candidates, the 45-day campaign period will be from March 28 to May 10.

Election Day is on May 12, but overseas voters may cast their votes from April 13 to May 12, while local absentee voters may cast their votes from April 28 to 30. — with a report from Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VDV, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.