Reso seeking to cut age requirement for president, VP, senators filed

House of Representatives (File Photo: House of Representatives of the Philippines/Facebook)

By Jose Cielito Reganit, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – A proposal seeking to amend the 1987 Constitution to open the doors of Malacañang and the Senate to younger leaders was filed Wednesday at the House of Representatives by a bloc of reform-minded lawmakers.

A resolution of both Houses calling for a constitutional convention (Con-Con) that would lower the minimum age requirement for the President and Vice President from 40 to 35, and senators from 35 to 30 was introduced by Deputy Speakers Paolo Ortega V and Jay Khonghun; Deputy Majority Leaders Ernix Dionisio Jr. of Manila, Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur, Rodge Gutierrez of 1-Rider Party-list, and Eduardo Rama; and House Committee on Public Information Chairman Lordan Suan of Cagayan de Oro City, collectively known as the “Young Guns” of the House.

“Thirty-eight years since the ratification of the Constitution, the Philippines has undergone major demographic and social shifts, with more than 52 percent of the population under the age of 30, reflecting a vibrant, dynamic, and increasingly educated youth sector,” the authors said in their resolution.

They stressed that the Filipino youth have proven themselves “globally competitive, socially aware, and capable of national leadership,” pointing to their growing influence in public service, innovation, civil society, and local governance.

The authors noted that under current rules, Filipinos must wait until the age of 40 before they can aspire to lead the country as President or Vice President, a barrier that effectively sidelines younger leaders despite their readiness to serve.

By aligning the Philippines with countries like the United States, where the constitutional age for the presidency is 35, lawmakers said the reform “strengthens youth representation, promotes intergenerational leadership and embodies the spirit of inclusivity, renewal, and empowerment of the next generation of leaders.”

“Panahon na para marinig ang tinig ng bagong henerasyon. Leadership is not about age but about vision, malasakit at kagustuhan na magsilbi (It is time to hear the voice of the new generation). By opening the highest offices to leaders as young as 35, we give the Filipino people a chance to be led by the energy and creativity of the youth, ready to carry the nation forward,” they stressed.

The authors emphasized that the resolution reflects both urgency and fairness, expressing belief that the time has come to allow younger Filipinos, equipped with new ideas and fresh energy, to step forward and lead.

They said the Constitution should empower — not constrain — the country’s best and brightest.

They also stressed that many of today’s pressing issues — from digital transformation to climate change – demand leaders who are closer to the lived realities of the younger generation.

The resolution underscores that leadership is not defined by age alone but by competence and integrity, and that youth empowerment must be institutionalized in the highest law of the land, not left as a token space in government appointments.

It also highlights the fact that while the Philippines has a youthful population, its political leadership remains dominated by older generations, creating a gap between governance and the aspirations of younger citizens.

Once adopted by the House and the Senate, the resolution will pave the way for a constitutional convention (Con-Con) where elected delegates can formally propose the amendments, which will then be submitted to a plebiscite for ratification, where the Filipino people will have the final say.