The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the public should not believe in supposed results of "exit polls" saying it is not always reliable.

"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 (As a general rule, unless the person who issued the exit poll is a well-known and reputable survey firm, it is not reliable. Especially on social media, it’s easy to create official looking forms or graphics that look legit)," Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said on Twitter Monday, April 11.

He also stressed that 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. (Also note that Overseas Voting votes will only be counted on May 9, the close of polls)," said Jimenez.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia also issued the same statement in a press briefing on the same day.

"Let us remember that, in the same manner as surveys, the exit polls are not very accurate. It could be done only to trend or to influence others," said Garcia.

"The most important thing we must believe is the results of the May 9 elections, where votes will be counted. Once the votes are counted, that is the best exit polls," he added.

Garcia said while such activities are not prohibited by election laws, this must not undermine the results of the electoral exercise.

"We will respect the exit polls. But anytime that it undermines the integrity of the process, we would include that in our investigation," he said.