Philippines Department of Labor Requires Work Permits for Children Under 15 in Entertainment and Online Content

The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued an advisory mandating work permits for children under 15 years old participating in public entertainment or information, including television, theater, advertisements, social media, and other online platforms. This new guidance, signed on July 31, 2026, clarifies that existing child protection laws extend to digital content creation, making parents, guardians, and employers accountable for compliance. The measure aims to safeguard children's welfare, education, and health in the evolving media landscape.