Bolo raised this suggestion, as covered in a proposed resolution which he has filed to the PB, in view of the apparent sprouting number of underaged househelpers, the incidence of which is being tolerated because they are perceived to be working in safe working conditions within the confines of the home of their respective employers.
"Although they are working inside homes, still, many cases of abuse are reported to have been committed in violation of the basic human rights of these househelps," Bolo pointed out in his proposed measure.
As such, he said the labor department must take up the cudgels for and on behalf of the said housemaids, who are employed at such early ages due to hard times.
He said DOLE must act under the doctrine of parens patriae as embodied in the 1987 Constitution, which says that the State has the duty to defend and care for its most vulnerable members, the children.
Under the same principle, the State needs the help of law enforcement officers, social workers, prosecutors, medical practitioners, judges and other members of the community who are involved in the protection of children against abuse and exploitation. - Cristina C. Birondo