REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7658 - AN
ACT PROHIBITING THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN BELOW 15 YEARS OF AGE IN
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE UNDERTAKINGS, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE SECTION 12,
ARTICLE VIII OF R.A. 7610
Section 1. Section 12, Article VIII of R.A. No. 7610
otherwise known as the "Special Protection of Children Against Child
Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act" is hereby amended to read
as follows:
"Sec. 12. Employment of Children. — Children below
fifteen (15) years of age shall not be employed except:
1) When a child works directly under the sole
responsibility of his parents or legal guardian and where only members
of the employer's family are employed: provided, however, that his
employment neither endangers his life, safety, health and morals, nor
impairs his normal development; Provided, further, that the parent or
legal guardian shall provide the said minor child with the prescribed
primary and/or secondary education; or
2) Where a child's employment or participation in
public entertainment or information through cinema, theater, radio or
television is essential: provided, The employment contract is concluded
by the child's parents or legal guardian, with the express agreement of
the child concerned, if possible, and the approval of the Department of
Labor and Employment: and provided that the following requirements in
all instances are strictly complied with:
(a) The employer shall ensure the protection, health,
safety, morals and normal development of the child;
(b) The employer shall institute measures to prevent
the child's exploitation or discrimination taking into account the
system and level of remuneration, and the duration and arrangement of
working time; and
(c) The employer shall formulate and implement,
subject to the approval and supervision of competent authorities, a
continuing program for training and skills acquisition of the child.
In the above exceptional cases where any such child may be employed,
the employer shall first secure, before engaging such child, a work
permit from the Department of Labor and Employment which shall ensure
observance of the above requirements.
The Department of Labor and Employment shall promulgate rules and
regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this
Section ."
Sec. 2. All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules
and regulations or parts thereof contrary to, or inconsistent with this
Act are hereby modified or repealed accordingly.
Sec. 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at
least two (2) national newspapers or general circulation whichever
comes earlier.
Approved: November 9, 1993
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