Several members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday filed a resolution seeking to amend the 1987 Constitution to lower the minimum age requirement for presidential and vice-presidential candidates from 40 to 35 years old, and for senatorial candidates from 35 to 30 years old.

Under Resolution of Both Houses No. 2, the so-called “young guns” proposed the convening of a constitutional convention (con-con) to revise provisions on eligibility requirements. The measure seeks to give young leaders a greater role in national governance.

La Union 1st District Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega, one of the principal authors, said the change would reflect the demographic reality of the Philippines, it is time for the next batch of top elective officials to be younger and bring fresher perspectives to national leadership.

“I think it's high time na i-bukas natin ang—masyadong institutional ang dating na parang minsan old heads lang ‘yung mga nandyan. So we are opening to more collaborative government na kailangan po haluan natin ng bata at mga sariwa saka bright minds,” Ortega said in a press conference on Wednesday, September 3.

He also pointed out that Congress itself has also its own “hot shots” among its ranks, citing Rep. Terry Ridon as one of the youngest committee chairpersons in the House.

“Something to look forward kasi nakikita naman natin sa panahon ngayon na makapal po ang percentage ng ating young voters, young middle manager tsaka mga bataan po kita niyo naman po dito sa Kongreso ang dami pong young guns na nandito,” he added.

The proponents argued that 38 years have passed since the ratification of the 1987 Constitution, and that the evolving social and political landscape demands inclusive reforms.

“This reform strengthens youth representation, promotes intergenerational leadership, and embodies the spirit of inclusivity, renewal, and empowerment of the next generation of leaders,” the resolution read.

Among those who filed the resolution were 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, Cebu City 2nd District Rep. Eduardo Rama Jr.

Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez has voiced support for lowering the presidential age requirement, emphasizing that the move could pave the way for a more youthful brand of leadership in the highest offices of the land.

“At a glance: younger but capable leaders, fairer elections, higher standards, stronger accountability,” he wrote.

"Lowering the age is one thing. But at the end of the day, what matters most is choosing leaders who are capable, honest, and ready to serve," Benitez also said in a separate post.