THE University of Mindanao-Institute of Popular Opinion (UM-IPO) has issued a statement refuting claims made by Abante Samal, The Truth Forwarder, regarding its involvement in recent political surveys. The university-based research organization clarified that it has not been involved in any capacity in the conduct of the political surveys or the release of the poll results attributed to the latter’s organization.
“The Institute of Popular Opinion (IPO) of the University of Mindanao would like to inform the public, especially people of Samal, that it has not been involved in any capacity in the conduct of the political surveys by Abante Samal, nor in the poll results they released thereof,” the statement reads posted on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
The UM-IPO reaffirmed its dedication to conducting surveys that adhere to rigorous research methods and ethical standards. The Institute also expressed its disappointment over the incorrect attribution of its name to a survey it had no part in.
Earlier this week, the local news outlet posted the results of a survey on their Facebook page that allegedly determined the Samaleños' preferences for key local positions in the upcoming 2025 elections.
The survey was said to be conducted island-wide from January 15, 2024, to February 15, 2025, with a total of 3,815 registered voters from various barangays across the Island Garden City of Samal participating. The respondents allegedly were all 18 years or older and registered to vote in the May 2025 elections.
Abante Samal also said they are intending to regularly update the public with new poll results as part of a continuous effort to track the popularity and political momentum of the aspirants running for local positions.
“We shall conduct polls for the same set of aspirants regularly and objectively assess the possible outcomes of the 2025 elections. Remember, that these numbers and trends can change at any time,” it said. DEF