LABOR CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

(Presidential Decree No. 442 of 1974, as Amended and Renumbered)

Preliminary Title. Chapter 1. General Provision

Art. 1. Name of Decree. This decree shall be known as the Labor Code of the
Philippines.
Art. 2. Date of Effectivity. This Code shall take effect six (6) months after its
promulgation.
Book One. Pre-Employment
Art. 12. Statement of Objective. It is the policy of the State:
a) To promote and maintain a state of full employment.
b) To protect every citizen desiring to work locally or overseas.
c) To facilitate free choice of availability of employment by person seeking work.
d) To facilitate and regulate the movement of workers in conformity.
e) To regulate the employment of aliens.
f) To strengthen the network of public employment offices.
g) To insure careful selection of Filipino workers for overseas employment.
Art. 13. Definition.
Worker. Any member of the labor force, whether employed or unemployed
Recruitment/Placement. Refers to an act of canvassing, enlisting, or hiring of
workers, and includes referral or contract services, whether for profit or not.
Emigrant. Person or worker who emigrates to another country by virtue of immigrant
visa or residential permit.

Art. 16. Private Recruitment. No person or entity other than the public
employment offices, shall engages in the recruitment and placement of workers.