Several members of the House majority bloc have filed a resolution seeking a constitutional convention to lower the minimum age requirement for president, vice president, and senator.
Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega filed House Resolution of Both Houses 2 on September 3, calling for a constitutional convention to deliberate on the proposal. The resolution suggests lowering the age requirement for president and vice president from 40 to 35, and for senator from 35 to 30.
Currently, the Constitution outlines three ways to amend its provisions: convening a constituent assembly, initiating a people’s initiative, or holding a constitutional convention—where delegates elected by the public review and propose amendments. Ortega and six other lawmakers opted for the last route.
The lawmakers said the move responds to demographic changes and the growing influence of the youth, citing their competitiveness and active role in governance, innovation, and civil society. They argued that the measure would align the Philippines with the United States, where a president can assume office at 35.
“Panahon na para marinig ang tinig ng bagong henerasyon,” the resolution read, emphasizing the need for intergenerational leadership and stronger youth representation.
The resolution was authored by members of the “Young Guns” bloc – Ortega, Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun, Deputy Majority Leaders Ernix Dionisio Jr., Zia Alonto Adiong, Rodge Gutierrez, Eduardo Rama – and co-authored by Rep. Lordan Suan of Cagayan de Oro City’s 1st District.
During a press briefing, Ortega was asked if the move was motivated by recent survey results showing Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto as a strong potential presidential candidate against Vice President Sara Duterte in 2028, should the age requirement be lowered.
Sotto, 36, would qualify under the proposed rules, but Ortega denied that the survey prompted the filing, stressing that discussions on lowering age qualifications had circulated for years.
He nonetheless acknowledged Sotto’s popularity, attributing it to his performance and reforms in Pasig City rather than to his family name. “He’s popular because of the work he’s doing, not just because he’s a Sotto,” Ortega remarked, saying Sotto had “gone beyond” traditional political branding.
Despite speculation, Ortega said it is too early to identify 2028 contenders. Sotto himself has stated that he has no plans to run for national office in the upcoming elections, despite encouragement from supporters and even lighthearted comments from his father, Vic Sotto.
