Former journalist Jay Sonza claimed on Sunday, April 10, that Filipinos working in Hong Kong were all rooting for Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr and Sara Duterte-Carpio for president and vice president, respectively.
He even showed “proof” that his claim was credible through his Facebook account. According to Sonza, Marcos tallied 3780 while Duterte 3987 based on the “exit poll result.”
On the other hand, Vice President and presidential bet Leni Robredo only garnered 89 votes, while Doc Wille Ong, whose gunning to be the former’s successor, only received 230.
In another post, Sonza claimed that 95%-98% of Filipinos living in the country were most likely to be voting for the standard-bearers of UniTeam.
The former journalist also boasted that the BBM-Sara tandem was leading in Dubai.
However, his posts did not cite any reputable survey firm.
According to Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez, the so-called “exit poll” cannot be considered official votes.
“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,” explained Jimenes on Twitter.
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
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
Jimenez, on March 30, even encouraged the public not to participate in any surveys in such a way that they share their chosen candidate.
That is NOT an official ballot. It’s just a sample ballot, based on ballot designs that are available on the COMELEC website, being used for what looks like polling or surveying activities.
If you don’t want your vote known by anyone, then don’t participate in these surveys. https://t.co/HNBCZ1mdAr
— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) March 29, 2022
Lawyer Emil Marañon even made a reminder that Marcos still lost the 2016 VP race despite leading the surveys.
The Marcos camp should have learned from the 2016 elections that prematurely claiming victory has never done them good. Baka iyak na naman yan pag natapos ang botohan.
— Emil (@13thFool) April 11, 2022
The son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr lost not once but thrice against Robredo for the vice president position after seeking three recounts for the 2016 election result.
