Child work permits suspended due to MECQ
This is in line with prioritizing the well-being of the children by limiting their movement and exposure from possible COVID-19 infections and to be in congruence with the initiatives of the government to address the increasing incidence of COVID-19 in the country
Application and issuance of child work permits is temporarily suspended as Metro Manila reverts back to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
In an advisory, The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE-NCR) National Capital Region announced the processing of child work child permits is halted until MECQ in Metro Manila has been lifted.
“Please be informed that the application and issuance of the Working Child Permit (is) hereby deferred until the lifting of the MECQ,” DoLE-NCR regional director Sarah Buena Mirasol said.
According to Mirasol, the initiative aims to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), particularly among working children.
“This is in line with prioritizing the well-being of the children by limiting their movement and exposure from possible COVID-19 infections and to be in congruence with the initiatives of the government to address the increasing incidence of COVID-19 in the country,” she said.
A working child permit is secured by any employer, parent or guardian from DoLE for any child below 15 years of age in any work allowed under Republic Act (RA) 9231.
Under RA 9231 otherwise known as the “Special Protection of Children from Child Abuse,
Exploitation and Discrimination Act,” children below the age of 15 are not allowed to be employed, permitted, or suffered to work, in any public or private establishment.
However, the law provides two exceptions to this rule. The child may be employed only when he/she works: 1. directly under the sole responsibility of his/her parents or guardian or 2. when his/her participation in public entertainment or public information is essential.
In any of these exceptions, the employer, parent or guardian should secure first the working child permit before such child is allowed to commence work, usually on short term and per project basis, in a family undertaking or public entertainment or information.