Malacañang on Thursday urged Filipinos to scrutinize election surveys and other information ahead of the 2028 elections, warning that some polling firms could be used for “mind conditioning” to boost certain political candidates.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro issued the reminder when asked about a recent OCTA Research survey reportedly showing the tandem of Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and Sen. Raffy Tulfo statistically tied against the duo of Vice President Sara Duterte and Sen. Imee Marcos for the 2028 presidential and vice presidential matchup.
Castro said Filipinos should look beyond individual surveys and examine available evidence before forming political preferences, and acknowledged that while there are reputable polling organizations, there are some surveys that could potentially be used for political purposes.
“May mga pagkakataon po kasi – hindi natin nilalahat, maraming maaayos na survey firms – pero may mga survey firms na baka nagagamit sa pamumulitika, nagkakaroon ng mind conditioning, para iangat iyong kanilang mga parokyano, (There are instances – and I am not generalizing as there are many reputable survey firms – where some survey firms might be used for political maneuvering or mind conditioning to boost the standing of their clients),” she said.
Castro said survey results should not be treated as the sole basis for determining voter preferences, particularly with the 2028 national elections still ahead.
“Mas maganda po tumingin tayo sa lahat ng ebidensiya, hindi sa sinabi ng isa, ito ang na-survey dito, kung ano iyong katotohanan, doon lang po mas magiging maayos ang pagdedesisyon ng bawat Pilipino, maging mapanuri lang (It is better for us to look at all the evidence, not just what one person says or what a specific survey indicates, but the actual truth. That is the only way every Filipino can make a sound decision, we simply need to be discerning),” she said.
The remarks came as political attention increasingly turns to the 2028 elections, even as the country remains nearly two years away from the next presidential, vice presidential and senatorial elections. (PNA)