The book aims to promote awareness and understanding of child labour laws and the legal procedures involved in their enforcement. It attempts to present in one publication all the existing laws which may be invoked in protecting the rights of Filipino child workers. It is fervently hoped that this publication will provide the much needed assistance to all those involved in law enforcement - labour inspectors, policemen, prosecutors, judges, social workers, governmental and non-governmental organizations - so that they may open the doors for the children who are waiting to be saved.
The book defines the children as persons below (18) years of age or those over but are unable to fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of a physical or mental disability or condition.
The book uses the term ‘child labour’ based on the ILO-IPEC definition: “work situations where children are compelled to work on a regular basis to earn a living for themselves and their families, and as a result are disadvantaged educationally and socially.”
The book realizes the effects of child labour and poses some strategies in addressing them.
The book is divided into: Part (1) Understanding child labour, (2) legal protection of child workers, (3) terms and conditions of employment, (4) rights and privileges of working children, (5) remedies against abuses, exploitation and discrimination.
Part 3 – Legal procedures for the enforcement of rights (1) detection and reporting (2) information verification (3) rescue operation (4) custody/ rehabilitation (5) recovery of wages and other monetary benefits, (6) administrative sanctions, and, (7) criminal prosecution.
