LOCAL Government Secretary Jesse Robredo has ordered all local executives in the country to immediately pass legislations to address child labor.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional office in Western Visayas received the order recently that also called for Iloilo to have anti-child labor initiatives in its local development plans and programs.
Failure to heed the order will constitute dereliction of duty, Robredo said in his Memorandum Circular 2011-133.
The order also stated that unlawful refusal to implement the requested programs “may give rise to administrative liability.”
Specifics of the order included the stipulation for what has been considered as “worst forms” of child labor topped by all forms slavery, including the sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage and serfdom, as well as forced or compulsory labor.
Also in the category of slavery is the use of children in pornography, drug dealings and any work that brings harm to a child’s health, safety and morals.
“Be reminded that Section 60 of RA (Republic Act) 6170 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 provides for grounds for administrative disciplinary action against local elective officials,” Robredo said.
The Iloilo City Hall was officially notified about the order by DILG City Director Ferdinand Panes. (Florence F. Hibionada)
