Charles Teves
Many concerned voters were left wondering why Pulse Asia’s recent presidential surveys do not include data from class AB which included individuals who enjoy higher income levels.
Pulse Asia president Ronald Holmes in an interview with CNN Philippines explained that the polling body follows “a multi-stage random sampling” which doesn’t ask or choose respondents based on socioeconomic classes.
“Sa amin kasi ang ginagawang sampling is random, ibig sabihin hindi ka pumipili ng respondent based on socio-economic classes. We follow a multi-stage random sampling,” Holmes said.
He noted that only a few respondents fall under class AB, hence the current findings.
“Walang socio-economic class. The socio-economic class is only determined after respondents are interviewed,
“Walang excluded dito, pare-parehong may tsansa na maging bahagi ng survey. Yun nga lang pagkatapos mainterview lahat, walang respondent who can qualify is belonging to class AB.” he explained.
Pulse Asia claimed that 2,400 adults subjects agreed to be interviewed face-to-face.
Another reason why AB resulted in so few responses is that those who qualify are usually unreachable and live in gated communities and condos.
The last time Class AB was included was on a December 21 survey, but the overall figure included data from Class C.
Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr has led all surveys with Vice President Leni Robredo trailing behind. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno always comes in third place.
But Pulse Asia’s survey omitting one class could only mean that important data were withdrawn.
A certain Ding Velasco tried to explain why Robredo could [actually] be ahead of Marcos Jr. despite the results.
Citing the survey conducted from February 13 to 23, Ding said that the results were “erroneous at the start” after careful scrutinizing.
He said Marcos Jr’s lead should be a lot slimmer than what is on the infographic.
“With 34 days to go and with just 14% points separating the two, let us say that in the coming April Survey the present momentum by Leni will continue because of the massive rallies, the invigorated H2H efforts by thousands of groups and the tsunami of defections of leaders and LGU execs from Marcos, from Isko and from Lacson to VP Leni – the percentage points of Marcos will further decrease,” he wrote.
Marcos won Classes C, D, and E, but Robredo’s numbers in the said categories increased.
