MANILA, Philippines — Opinion polling firm Pulse Asia has taken offense to allegations by some camps that its pre-election surveys have been rigged, saying that such allegations do nothing but to deepen polarization in the country and erode an “already extremely feeble democratic order.”
In a statement, Pulse Asia president Ronald Holmes said that they understand that surveys, like the presidential mock polls they released on Monday, would get different opinions and reactions from various parties.
However, they insist that Pulse Asia has neither been bought, nor its research methods compromised by partisan political activities.
“We understand that survey results will elicit varied opinions. We respect all forms of feedback on our survey results, including fair academic comment on differing methodologies and interpretations of data […] We do take exception, however, to three other baseless assertions that have gained unwarranted traction in some circles and some media,” Holmes said on Tuesday.
“First, that Pulse Asia Research has been bought. Second, that our survey field work has been compromised due to the infiltration of partisan groups. Third, that it is illegal to publish survey results 15 days before election day,” he added.
Holmes further warned that people who outrightly and unfairly dismiss their survey methods only feed the disinformation that currently affects the country.
“Those who make these unfair and unjust criticisms bear the responsibility for their...
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