Children hold a special place in every man’s heart, but unfortunately, not every man knows why, nor how to nurture that recognition. Eventually children lose that special place, but what is worse, perhaps, is the unfortunate fact that they not only lose that special place, but that their existence is abused by man. It is this trend which has stirred some people to pity our children, and some have in fact manifested positive action to restoring them to their deserved special place in this world.
The author is aware that in the Philippines, concerted efforts have been exerted to penalize those who exploit and abuse children, to educate the citizenry particularly those who have the power to deter all forms of violation against children, and to enact measures for the rehabilitation of victim-children. In particular, employment of children in hazardous undertakings is prohibited, as this would expose them to an environment which jeopardizes their health and safety. The Department of Labor and Employment has issued a department order which lists down the undertakings considered hazardous. The list does not include “domestic work” but to the mind of the author, domestic work is something which equally jeopardizes the health, safety and morals of children employed in such undertaking. More importantly, it retards the proper development of children. Their irregular working schedule results in the irregular sleep-schedule; their condition subjects them to an uncalled for awareness that they are always at other people’s mercy; and the environment they are exposed to diminishes their potential of actualizing their self-worth.
This paper intends to propose the enactment of a law which would define domestic work as hazardous work, and under such condition, no child below the age of eighteen (18) years old should be allowed to engage in domestic work. To support the proposition, the author has consulted laws, treaties and other international agreements, jurisprudence and other factual situations which deal with children in general. It was overwhelming to note that there are really people who are aware of the importance of protecting our children from all forms of harm. The author comes not to controvert any of the measures thus enacted, but in fact to support them by this proposition which would expand the scope of protection for children.
