Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have filed Resolution of Both Houses No. 2 calling for a constitutional convention to amend Articles VI and VII of the 1987 Constitution — specifically to lower the minimum age requirement for those seeking the presidency, vice presidency, and the Senate.
Under the current Constitution, candidates for President and Vice President must be at least 40 years old, while senatorial aspirants must be 35.
The resolution was filed by Deputy Speaker and La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V, Deputy Speaker and Zambales Rep. Jefferson Khonghun, Manila 1st District Rep. Ernesto Dionisio Jr., Deputy Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, 1-Rider party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, Cagayan de Oro 1st District Rep. Lordan Suan, and Cebu City 2nd District Rep. Eduardo Rama Jr.
The lawmakers are pushing to lower the age threshold to 35 years old for presidential and vice presidential aspirants, and 30 years old for the Senate, citing the United States as an example.
“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 resolution states.
In a joint statement, the proponents argued:
“Filipino youth have proven themselves globally competitive, socially aware, and capable of national leadership. It is time to hear the voice of the new generation. Leadership is not about age but vision, compassion, and the desire to serve. 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.”
The measure comes days after a Tangere survey showed Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto as a potential major challenger to Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2028 presidential race — if the age requirement is amended.
Notably, Senate Minority Leader Tito Sotto, uncle of Mayor Vico Sotto, previously filed a similar proposal in the upper chamber.