This article talks about the qualifications to run as President of the Philippines. The Constitution mandates that no person shall be elected President of the Philippine unless he is a natural born Filipino citizen, a registered voter, able to read and write, at least 40 years old on the day of the election and a resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years immediately preceding the election.
Qualifications under the Constitution
Is it your ultimate dream to become the President of the Philippines? Do not fret because the qualifications are quite simple. Art. VII, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution prescribes that no person may be elected as President unless he possesses the following qualifications:
1. natural born citizen of the Philippines
2. registered voter
3. able to read and write
4. at least 40 years of age on the day of election
5. resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years immediately preceding the election.
Simple, right? Take note that there is no requirement as to education, work experience or wealth. What matters is that you are a natural born Filipino residing here for 10 years and registered as a voter, at least 40 years of age and can read and write.
However, there has been a controversy regarding the qualification of being a natural born Filipino citizen. Who are natural born Filipino citizens? Article IV, Section 2 of the Constitution defines natural born citizens as those who are citizens of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship. In Poe-Llamanzares vs. Comelec [G.R. No. 221697, 08 March 2016], the Supreme Court ruled that Senator Grace Poe, being a foundling, is considered as a natural born Filipino citizen.
It must be borne in mind that no person who has succeeded as President and has served as such for more than four years shall be qualified for election to the same office at any time [Art. VII, Sec. 4, Constitution]. Furthermore, a former President of the Philippines cannot run for the same office since he is only allowed to serve for one (1) term and is ineligible for reelection.
About Nicolas and De Vega Law Offices
If you need assistance on Philippine election law matters, we can help you. Nicolas and de Vega Law Offices is a full-service law firm in the Philippines. You may visit us at the 16th Flr., Suite 1607 AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, 1605 Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. You may also call us at +632 84706126, +632 84706130, +632 84016392 or e-mail us at [email protected]. Visit our website https://ndvlaw.com.
