ROXAS CITY – 1Tahanan Party-list Representative Nathaniel Oducado expressed the need to understand the reasoning behind a proposed resolution in the House of Representatives seeking to lower the minimum age requirement for the President, Vice President, and Senators.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Roxas, Rep. Oducado said he is still studying the proposal and is open to hearing the rationale of his fellow lawmakers who are pushing for the amendment.
“I want to understand why they want to lower the minimum age requirement. I want to see the reasoning behind it,” Oducado said.
Currently, the 1987 Constitution sets the minimum age at 40 for candidates seeking the presidency, vice presidency, and a seat in the Senate. Oducado believes this age is generally appropriate, noting that it assumes a level of maturity necessary to lead a nation. However, he acknowledged that proponents of the resolution may be basing their arguments on new research.
“If the age requirement will be lowered, there should be reasonable and objective criteria. Leaders must still demonstrate enough maturity to handle the responsibilities of national leadership,” he added.
On the method of changing the Constitution, Oducado highlighted the use of a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) as one of the three legitimate ways to introduce amendments. He noted that a Con-Con could be a more efficient route, as it does not require a three-fourths vote from Congress, unlike other methods.
“This shows that the Philippine Constitution is alive,” he remarked.
The proposal to lower the age requirement is part of broader talks on constitutional reform currently being discussed in the House.
