SP backs barangay ordinance vs worst forms of child labor

Through a resolution, the 20th City Council on its regular session Monday presided over by Vice Mayor Jocelyn B. Rodriguez returned to Barangay Cugman its ordinance which aims to eliminate the worst forms of child labor and affording stronger protection for the working child against abuse, exploitation and discrimination.

The barangay ordinance is in consonance with RA 9231, which puts paramount importance on the rights of the children to education, health, leisure and recreation, and other rights as contained in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

It also encourages and mandates all public and private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities, and legislative bodies to exert every effort to promote the welfare of children and enhance their opportunities for a useful and happy life.

Under the ordinance, children below fifteen (15) years of age shall not be employed except when a child works directly under the sole responsibility of his/her parents or legal guardian and where only members of his/her family are employed. Provided, however, that his/her employment neither endangers his/her life, safety, health, and morals, nor impairs his/her normal development.

Children shall also be employed only if his/her employment or participation in public entertainment or information through cinema, theater, radio, television or other forms of media is essential. Provided, that the employment contract is concluded by the child’s parents or legal guardian’s expressed agreement of the child concerned, if possible, and the approval of the Department of Labor and Employment, among others.

The legislation was reviewed and endorsed by the committees on barangay affairs and on laws and rules chaired respectively by Councilors Yan Lam S. Lim and Ian Mark Q. Nacaya.