The qualifications for the highest offices in the Philippines are enshrined in Article VII of the 1987 Constitution. These provisions ensure that individuals seeking the Presidency or Vice-Presidency possess the necessary legal standing and connection to the Republic before assuming command of the executive branch.
1. Constitutional Requirements
Under Section 2 (for President) and Section 3 (for Vice President) of Article VII, the qualifications for both offices are identical. To be eligible for election, a candidate must be:
- A Natural-Born Citizen of the Philippines: This is a strict requirement. Under Article IV, Section 2, natural-born citizens are those who are citizens from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship.
- A Registered Voter: The candidate must be duly registered in the national registry of voters.
- Able to Read and Write: A basic literacy requirement to ensure the official can perform administrative duties.
- At Least 40 Years of Age: This age must be attained on the day of the election.
- A Resident of the Philippines for at least 10 Years: This residency must immediately precede the day of the election.
2. Term of Office and Re-election Rules
While the qualifications are the same, the rules regarding their terms and re-election differ significantly to prevent the concentration of power.
The President
- Term: Six (6) years.
- Re-election: The President is prohibited from any reelection. 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.
The Vice President
- Term: Six (6) years.
- Re-election: The Vice President may serve for not more than two (2) consecutive terms. Voluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time is not considered an interruption in the continuity of service for the full term for which the official was elected.
3. The "Natural-Born" Requirement
The "natural-born" status is often the most litigated qualification. In the Philippine context, this follows the principle of Jus Sanguinis (right of blood). A person is a natural-born citizen if at least one parent is a Filipino citizen at the time of the person's birth.
Note: Foundlings (children with unknown parents found in the Philippines) are generally presumed to be natural-born citizens based on international law and Supreme Court jurisprudence (e.g., Poe-Llamanzares v. COMELEC).
4. Disqualifications and Prohibitions
Beyond the basic qualifications, the Constitution and the Omnibus Election Code provide grounds for disqualification:
- Mental Incapacity: Being declared insane or incompetent by a competent authority.
- Criminal Record: Conviction by final judgment for an offense involving moral turpitude or for any offense punishable by more than 18 months of imprisonment.
- Subversion/Insurrection: Conviction of a crime involving disloyalty to the Commonwealth.
Conflict of Interest (Section 13, Article VII)
During their tenure, the President and Vice President are subject to strict prohibitions:
- They shall not hold any other office or employment during their tenure (unless otherwise provided in the Constitution, such as the Vice President being appointed to the Cabinet).
- They shall not practice any other profession or participate in any business.
- They must avoid financial conflicts of interest in any contract with the Government.
5. Summary Table of Qualifications
| Requirement | President | Vice President |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship | Natural-born Filipino | Natural-born Filipino |
| Voter Status | Registered Voter | Registered Voter |
| Literacy | Able to read and write | Able to read and write |
| Age | At least 40 on election day | At least 40 on election day |
| Residency | 10 years preceding election | 10 years preceding election |
| Term Limit | 1 term (No re-election) | 2 consecutive terms |