Comelec forms task force to regulate survey firms

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MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) formed a task force to regulate survey firms during the election period for the 2025 midterm polls.

Prior to this, the poll body announced on Thursday that all survey firms must now be registered with the poll body.

The poll body approved Resolution No. 11117 during its regular en banc session on February 19 for this purpose.

READ: Comelec now regulates survey firms, requires registration

Now, in a memorandum dated Feb. 21, Comelec Chairman George Garcia formed the Task Force Regulation and Enforcement of Survey Practices for Election Credibility and Transparency (Task Force RESPECT).

The task force is assigned to facilitate the reporting mechanism of survey firms to the Comelec and publish their findings on the Comelec website.

READ: Election survey results will be in Comelec website – Garcia

It is also tasked with orienting survey firms, individual pollsters and the public about Comelec Resolution No. 11117 and Republic Act No. 9006 or the Fair Election Act.

Furthermore, the group will handle and investigate complaints in relation to “improper or inappropriate publication of election-related surveys.”

Director Efraim Bag-id, head of the Comelec Political Finance and Affairs Department, will chair the task force.

Its vice heads are as follows:

• Director Sonia Bea L. Wee-Lozada – Director IV, Internal Audit Department
• Director Rey D. Doma – Director I, Planning Department
• Director Albert Leonard C. Rodriguez – Director III, Law Department
• Director Abigail Claire F. Carbero-Llacuna – Director III, Education and Information Department

The following are members of the task force:

• Atty. Ma. Lourdes F. Alcain – Chief of Staff, Office of Commissioner Nelson J. Celis
• Atty. Ma. Anne Tonette S. Rivera – Office of the Chairman
• Atty. Franzetta Faye B. Sanglay – Office of the Chairman
• Atty. Joana Krissle C. Saribong – Office of the Chairman
• Atty. Anne Bernadette A. Mendiola – Political Finance and Affairs Department
• Manuel Odillon Fortes – Political Finance and Affairs Department
• Atty. Maryvynne G. Duag – Law Department
• Ellan Joy B. Marasigan – Office of the Clerk of the Commission