Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javi Benitez has voiced support for a proposal to reduce the minimum age requirement for presidential candidates in the Philippines from 40 to 35 years old.
In a social media post, Benitez questioned why the country continues to set a higher bar compared to the United States, where individuals as young as 35 are allowed to seek the presidency.
“Kung kaya na ng 35 sa U.S., bakit 40 pa sa Pilipinas?” he asked, stressing that leadership should no longer be judged solely by age.
He added that younger leaders have already proven their courage, competence, and compassion in public service. “Noong araw, edad ang sukatan ng ‘hinog’ na liderato. Pero ngayon, may mga batang lingkod-bayan na may galing, tapang, at malasakit para ipakita na hindi edad ang batayan ng tunay na pamumuno,” Benitez said.
The 33-year-old lawmaker clarified he has no personal plans to run in 2028, but believes many Filipinos younger than 40 may already be prepared to lead. “33 pa lang ako sa 2028. At kahit pa eligible sa edad, hindi ko naman gusto. Pero baka may ibang handa na, na hindi aabot sa 40. May kilala ba kayo?” he wrote.
His remarks came after former Senate President Tito Sotto renewed his call to amend the Constitution and lower the age qualifications for the country’s top posts — 35 for the presidency and 30 for the Senate.
“Ibaba natin ang edad ng presidente to 35 tapos ibaba natin ang edad ng mga senador sa 30,” Sotto said in an interview, highlighting that Millennials and Gen Z have shown they are capable of governance. “Magagaling ang mga bata ngayon eh… ibigay na natin sa mga kabataan ang pagpapatakbo nitong bansa baka puro matino pa ang mailagay natin,” he added.
Sotto also dismissed speculation that the move was meant to benefit his nephew, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, stressing that his proposal mirrors the U.S. model.
Under the current 1987 Constitution, a presidential candidate must be at least 40 years old, a registered voter, and a resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years before election day.
