"The preliminary investigation of cases filed under this Act shall be terminated within a
period of thirty (30) days from the date of filing.
"If the preliminary investigation establishes a prima facie case, then the corresponding
information shall be filed in court within forty eight (48) hours from the termination of the
investigation.
"Trial of cases under this Act shall be terminated by the court not later than ninety (90)
days from the date of filing of information. Decision on said cases shall be rendered
within a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of submission of the case.
"Sec. 15. Exemptions from Filing Fees. - When the victim of child labor institutes a
separate civil action for the recovery of civil damages, he/she shall be exempt from
payment of filing fees.
"Sec. 16-C. Access to Immediate Legal, Medical and Psycho-Social Services - The
working child shall have the right to free legal, medical and psycho-social services to be
provided by the State."
Section 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations - The Secretary of Labor and Employment, in
coordination with the Committees on Labor and Employment of both Houses of Congress, shall issue
the necessary Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to effectively implement the provisions of this
Act, in consultation with concerned public and private sectors, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity
of this Act.
Such rules and regulations shall take effect upon their publication in two (2) national
newspapers of general circulation.
Section 11. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the
validity of the remaining provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 12. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, or rules inconsistent with the provisions of this Act
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Section 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date of its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
FRANKLIN DRILON
President of the Senate
JOSE DE VENECIA JR.
Speaker of the House of
Representatives
This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2155 and House Bill No. 4235 was
finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on October 14, 2003
and October 13, 2003, respectively.