Question & AnswerQ&A (DOLE DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 65-04)
A child refers to any person under 18 years of age.
Child labor refers to any work or economic activity performed by a child that subjects him/her to exploitation or is harmful to his/her health, safety, or physical, mental, or psychosocial development.
Worst forms include all forms of slavery, use of children in prostitution and pornography, involvement in illegal activities like drug trafficking, and hazardous work that harms the child's health, safety, morals, or development.
Yes, children below 15 may work under sole responsibility of parents/guardians where only family members are employed, or in public entertainment under strict conditions including limited hours, educational access, work permit, and protection of health and morals.
A work permit is a permit secured by the employer, parent, or guardian from the Department of Labor and Employment allowing a child below 15 years of age to work in certain allowable conditions under RA 9231.
A child below 15 years of age may work not more than 20 hours a week, with no more than 4 hours on any given day, and is prohibited from working between 8 PM and 6 AM.
The income is administered by both parents, or in their absence, surviving grandparents, older siblings over 21, or the child's custodian, following the order of preference provided by law.
An application with terms of employment, protective measures, proof of schooling or educational program, child's birth certificate, medical certificate of fitness, photographs, proof of identity of employer, and applicable business permits or contracts.
The Secretary or Regional Director can order immediate and permanent or temporary closure of establishments, require payment of wages, medical costs, transportation, and impose other sanctions against violating employers.
The Regional Director may suspend or cancel the work permit and prohibit the employer from hiring children, after due notice and hearing.