MANILA, Philippines — Despite the high trust in the results of the most recent elections, prevention of cheating remains the top concern of most Filipinos in future polls, a survey conducted by the OCTA Research group showed.
The July 12 to 17 survey found that 79 percent want the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to prioritize the prevention of cheating in future polls.
They selected it over making it easier for everybody to vote, preferred by 21 percent of the respondents.
“This finding underscores that for most voters, electoral credibility is closely tied to the assurance that the process is protected from fraud or manipulation,” OCTA said its post-election analysis of the midterm polls.
“While efficiency, modernization and accessibility are valued, safeguarding integrity remains the foremost concern of the electorate,” it added.
Even with several concerns raised, such as the reported errors involving the automated counting machines, the survey showed that Filipinos are mostly satisfied with the performance of the Comelec.
Some 83 percent said they trust the results of May 12 midterm polls, while only four percent said they distrust it. The remaining 14 percent were ambivalent.
“This broad level of trust suggests that despite political divisions and intense campaigns, the majority of Filipinos accept the legitimacy of the electoral process and its results,” OCTA said.
“Such confidence strengthens democratic institutions by reinforcing the role of the Commission on Elections, election watchdogs and automated vote-counting systems as credible arbiters of the people’s will,” it added.
Some 64 percent said the Comelec was able to ensure free, fair and credible elections, while only three percent viewed it negatively.
A third of the respondents or 33 percent said they cannot say if the Comelec was able to ensure a free, fair and credible elections or not.
“Overall, while a clear majority views Comelec positively, the relatively high levels of ambivalence – particularly among younger, urban and more educated voters – point to areas where improvements in communication, voter engagement and transparency are most needed,” OCTA said.
“Sustaining credibility across generations will be critical as younger Filipinos make up an increasing share of the electorate,” it added.
OCTA’s July 2025 survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus three percent.