In the Philippines, how to legally recruit minors?

Philippine labor law clearly stipulates that the minimum age for employment is 15 years. Otherwise, it will be defined as illegal employment of children under the age of 15, which is called "child labor" in legal terms ". But there are exceptions!

Under article 139 of the Labor Code, a child under the age of 15 may not be recruited unless he is working directly under the supervision of a parent or guardian and his work does not interfere in any way with his studies.

However, this can only be done if the child's parent or legal guardian enters into an employment contract with the express consent of the child concerned and is approved by the Department of Labor and Employment.

In addition, employers must ensure the health, safety, morality and normal development of children. They must take measures to prevent children from being exploited or discriminated against, taking into account the system and level of remuneration, as well as the length and content of work. And a continuous training and skills acquisition plan for children must be developed and implemented with the approval and supervision of the supervisor. Finally, employers must also obtain a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor before employing such children.

However, children under the age of 15 are not allowed to engage in work with hazardous properties, including work involving chemical, physical, and biological hazards.

Legal working hours for children under the age of 18:

• Children under the age of 15 are not allowed to work between 8 pm and 6 am.

• Children between the ages of 15 and 18 are not allowed to work between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

• In addition, children under the age of 15 shall not work more than 4 hours a day,

• Children between the ages of 15 and 18 shall not work more than 8 hours a day.

On a weekly basis, children under the age of 15 can work 20 hours a week and children between the ages of 15 and 18 can work 40 hours a week.