A critical review of RA 9231 otherwise known as the “Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act”: Implication to child labor practices

Abstract

This study is a qualitative research aimed to conduct a content analysis on certain laws and jurisprudence as to their adherence to the constitutional principle on child labor and to determine its implications to legislators and policy makers. It tried to delve into the underlying reasons behind the enactment of laws. The qualitative content analysis was employed in this study because it systematically analyzed the law. This research specifically intended to determine the laws and jurisprudence containing child labor provisions; the historical background of these laws or jurisprudence; the reasons or factors that contributed to the ratification of these laws or jurisprudence; whether or not there is a violation of Section R.A. 9231, which recognizes special protection of children against child abuse, exploitation and discrimination act; and determine its implications to current and future legislators or policy makers. The study found out that The Republic Act 7610; and Republic Act No. 9231; contain provisions that are essentially disregarded and not practised ; that the existence of provisions are mainly attributed for the benefit of the children contrary to law. After an exhaustive search of related jurisprudence tackling on child labor or children’s rights, the researcher has made noteworthy of conclusions and recommendations on the current situations in the Philippines due to child labor.