The youth movement in the House of Representatives has formalized its push to lower the minimum age requirement for president and vice president of the country from 40 to 35.

Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 2--filed by the House "Young Guns" bloc led by Deputy Speaker La Union 1st Rep. Paolo Ortega V--also reduces the minimum age requirement for a Philippine senator from 35 to 30.

RBH No.2 calls for a constitutional convention (con-con) to effect these changes to the Charter.

If and when adopted by both chambers (House and Senate), the resolution will pave the way for a con-con where elected delegates can formally propose the amendments. These will then be submitted to a plebiscite for ratification, where the Filipino people will have the final say

“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 of RBH No.2 declared.

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. This effectively sidelines younger leaders.

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".

Incidentally, the youth vote was reportedly the difference-maker during the mid-term elections earlier this year.

The next elections, which will determine the next president, will take place in May 2028.

“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 Young Guns stressed.

The other authors were Deputy Speaker Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun; Deputy Majority Leaders Manila 1st district Rep. Ernix Dionisio Jr., Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, Cebu City 2nd district Rep. Eduardo Rama; and House Committee on Public Information Chairman Cagayan de Oro City 1st district Rep. Lordan Suan.