The Department of Labor and Employment has padlocked an entertainment club in Makati for employing teenage girls as guest relations officers and for violating labor laws.
Labor Secretary Rosalina Baldoz said the closure of Ivory Music Lounge and Restaurant was part of the government’s drive against child labor and human trafficking, adding that it had also violated numerous labor laws.
“I am pleased of the DoLE-NCR’s low-key but sustained action against child labor and human trafficking,” Baldoz said.
Baldoz said the government is serious and determined to stamp out child labor and human trafficking.
The closure order of the establishment stemmed from a petition by the Anti-Human Trafficking Division of the National Bureau of Investigation filed with the regional office in September.
“The NBI sought the immediate and permanent closure of Ivory Music Lounge and Restaurant for violation of R.A. 7610, as amended by R.A. 92310. I issued an Order for the Permanent Closure of Ivory on 2 November 2015 after due consideration,” DoLE-NCR Regional Director Alex Avila said.
“Ivory Music Lounge and Restaurant remains closed and cannot engage in business,” he added.
Baldoz said this latest action of the DoLE-NCR should serve as a warning to other business establishments employing child laborers.