According to the most recent official figure, there are currently over 60 million Filipinos registered to
vote. This is higher than the initial estimate of 59 million. According to the most recent official
United Nations count, the Philippines today has a population of over 111 million people. This implies
that more than half of our people will be eligible to vote in the May 2022 elections.
Here's something interesting: According to the COMELEC, the young sector accounts for more than
half of the total number of registered voters. In a press conference, a COMELEC spokeswoman
revealed that almost 32 million voters, out of a total of 60 million or more, are between the ages of
18 and 40. This group is referred to as the "young vote" by the polling organization. If the "young
vote" turns out in force in the May 2022 elections, it will be the single most important element in
determining who will lead the country for the following six years.
It's only natural that the majority of campaign messaging and resources will be targeted at this age
group. Candidates seeking to win the next election will court this sector's vote by attempting to
identify with their goals to the greatest extent feasible.
In the next national elections, it will be fascinating to see how the "young vote" views and considers
the age of possible presidential candidates.
Do you think young Filipinos would prefer a President who is their age? Or would they see mature
age as a sign of wisdom and experience in leadership? That question has yet to be answered.
In the current universe of personalities who just might make a bid for the presidency, Senator
Richard Gordon would be the oldest at 76. Senator Manny Pacquiao would be the youngest at 42.
The ages of the potential contestants are as follows: Gordon is 76 years old, Senator Ping Lacson is
73, former Senator Bongbong Marcos is 64, Vice President Leni Robredo is 56, Senator Bong Go is
47, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno is 46, Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte is 43, and Pacquiao is 42 years
old.
Does the candidate's age really matter? It may not be a game-changer, according to the majority of
Americans who voted. After all, they had just elected the world's oldest person to the most powerful
governmental position. When US President Joe Biden took office in January of this year, he was 78
years old.
President Rodrigo Duterte, our current President, holds the distinction for being the country's oldest
president at the time of his inauguration. When he took the oath, he was 71 years old. President
Emilio Aguinaldo, who took office at the age of 29, was the youngest. That was, of course, before the
Constitution established the age restrictions for the presidency.
Young Filipino voters have the potential to shape the future of our nation.
We anticipate that they will be fully operational in May 2022. Younger folks are less afraid than their
elders. They are more daring, and the probabilities are that the current conditions will not stop them
from voting.
They hold awesome power. We hope they use it wisely
WRITTEN BY: BRENT JARED R. CAMPOS