THE National Institute for Transparency and Accountability (NITA) has launched an investigation into fake governance surveys following complaints from politicians who say they are being targeted by misleading polling data and fraudulent operations.
NITA said the complaints suggest that fabricated surveys are being circulated to shape public perception rather than provide an objective measure of governance performance and public sentiment.
NITA spokesman Carlos Ayala pointed to a recent case involving Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, whose official provincial Facebook page reportedly shared survey findings that were later flagged during NITA’s verification process.
Ayala said the incident illustrates how even government offices can inadvertently amplify misleading survey materials when proper verification procedures are not observed.
The probe focused on a purported governance survey released by a group identifying itself as “Transparency Good Governance and Accountability.” The group used the “Visayas Social Pulse” as its survey arm.
Ayala said the survey materials prominently carried the “Bagong Pilipinas” logo, creating the impression of official government affiliation and credibility.
However, NITA’s verification found several red flags that cast doubt on the legitimacy of the organization behind the survey.
Ayala said the Facebook page used to promote the survey was created only in August 2025 and that the group was not registered with either the Department of Trade and Industry or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
He added that investigators found no evidence that the organization employed statisticians, research executives, or designated spokespersons typically associated with professional survey institutions.
“They are using Facebook to circulate fake information disguised as governance surveys. Without transparency, legal registration, scientific methodology, and qualified researchers, these surveys have no credibility and only mislead both public officials and the public,” Ayala said.
Ayala said legitimate surveys serve as gauges for governance performance and provide valuable feedback that can help leaders improve public service delivery. He warned that fabricated polls reduce scientific research into mere publicity exercises and tools for political mind conditioning.
NITA urged public officials, government communication offices, and the public to verify a survey organization’s legal registration, methodology, sample size, survey period, margin of error, and responsible officials before accepting its findings.
“Public opinion research should strengthen transparency and democratic accountability — not become a vehicle for misinformation. Surveys should help improve governance, not manufacture perception,” Ayala said.
