Senate bill seeks to lower voting, candidacy age in South Korea to 15-21
From 18 to 24 years old, the proposed measure seeks to lower the age requirement to 15 to 21 years old.
Source: Philstar Headlines · October 2, 2026 at 11:32 AM · AI-assisted report
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MANILA, 2 OCTOBER 2026 —
A measure seeking to lower the voting and candidacy age requirements for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) from the current 18 to 24 years old down to 15 to 21 years old has been introduced in the Senate in Manila.
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The legislative push aims to amend Section 10 of Republic Act No. 10742, otherwise known as the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015, to restructure youth participation in the barangay governance framework.
Senate Bill No. 2510 was introduced by Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III. In the bill’s explanatory note, Sotto stated that there is a need to bring back the SK mechanism to the youth sector and highlighted the importance of teaching children good governance.
According to Sotto, youth council members serve as the voice and representation of the youth in the governance framework, particularly within the unit of government that is closest to the people.
The introduction of the bill follows action taken by the executive branch. The measure comes a week after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved Republic Act No. 12326, which postponed the barangay and SK elections originally scheduled for November 2 of this year and moved them to the first Monday of November 2028.
In addition to altering age eligibility, Sotto’s proposed measure seeks to restrict how youth councils utilize their financial resources. The bill proposes prohibiting SK funds from being used to procure hard infrastructure projects and high-value properties that exceed one-fourth, or 25 percent, of their annual budget.
The proposed legislation adds a paragraph to Section 20 of Republic Act No. 10742 stating that the Sangguniang Kabataan shall be prohibited from participating in and utilizing funds for the procurement of such hard infrastructure and high-value properties exceeding the 25 percent threshold.
Furthermore, the proposed additional paragraph mandates that the development plan of the youth council must be strictly followed during the procurement process, stipulating that any goods or properties not indicated in the plan shall not be purchased unless a notarized justification in writing is submitted.
Sotto stated that the bill aims to lower the age qualification to run in the Sangguniang Kabataan while providing mechanisms to deter corrupt practices. He added that the measures are designed to allow the youth to develop as effective leaders and lead their fellow youth through the Sanggunian.
Beyond lowering the age of eligible voters and officers, the bill pushes amendments concerning SK funds and functions. Sotto is seeking to limit the scope of plans and programs indicated in the Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan, which is the three-year rolling plan that the youth council must develop upon assuming office.
The proposed amendment specifies that the plans and programs indicated in the rolling plan shall be limited to advocacy and campaigns, information and education, sports and physical development, welfare and support systems, and other programs geared towards supporting the youth within their jurisdiction.
The proposed amendments also state that these plans and programs must focus on good governance, climate change adaptation and environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, health services, anti-drug abuse, gender sensitivity, sports development, accessible education, sustainable development, human rights advocacy, and social protection.
Related: Senate · Vicente "Tito" Sotto III · Manila