DoLE permit to shield children

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) said its requirement for work permits for minors under 15 appearing in monetized social media content is intended to prevent exploitation and ensure their work does not interfere with their education, health and welfare.

Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino said on Sunday that Labor Advisory No. 12, Series of 2026, issued on July 31, extends existing child labor protections under Republic Act No. 9231, or the Anti-Child Labor Law, to digital platforms, including vlogs, livestreams, podcasts and online endorsements.

“We can also prevent the abuse of children, especially when they are made to work excessive hours and exploited,” Mr. Tolentino said in a statement in Filipino, referring to the safeguards provided under the advisory.

Under the advisory, covered children may work for no more than four hours a day or 20 hours a week and may not work beyond 10 p.m. Limited exemptions apply, including certain children working in family enterprises and cases where their artistic, cultural or entertainment participation is essential to the production.

Of their earnings, only 20% may be used by the family, while 80% must be placed in savings or a trust fund for the child’s education, health needs, or future use.

Applications for work permits must be filed with the appropriate DoLE regional office, while employers who hire covered children without valid permits may face fines, imprisonment and possible closure under applicable laws. The advisory updates existing rules for child workers in traditional media to cover digital platforms. — Mark Joseph M. Sanchez