THE MUNTINLUPA City Government has approved an ordinance aimed at enhancing the protection of children against abuse, violence, neglect, and discrimination.

City Ordinance No. 2024-280, also known as the Muntinlupa City Child Protection Policy Ordinance, was signed into law by Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

According to the ordinance, many children are deprived of proper care, guidance, and education, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, drug addiction, and abuse. The ordinance emphasizes the need to protect children, especially those who are marginalized and vulnerable, from all forms of violence, ensuring their best interests are always prioritized.

The ordinance asserts that children are entitled to basic rights regardless of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or social status, disability, or any other factor.

Under Section 4 of the ordinance, it is mandated that schools in Muntinlupa establish standardized systems for reporting, referring, recording, and evaluating cases of child abuse, violence, exploitation, discrimination, and other forms of abuse. This will be based on guidelines from the Department of Education (DepEd).

Furthermore, the ordinance prohibits the employment of children under 15 years old by business establishments, unless the employment meets exemptions under Republic Act No. 9231, also known as the “Act Eliminating the Worst Forms of Child Labor.”