DOLE Urged Employers to Release 13th Month Pay Before Christmas

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has urged the private sector to pay workers their 13th month wage on or before December 24, 2023, with no exceptions or deferments allowed.

This was the department’s message to businesses in a news release on Friday, citing DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma’s Labor Advisory No. 25, Series of 2023.

DOLE noted, “The issuance reiterates that the 13th-month pay shall be paid to rank-and-file employees in the private sector regardless of their position, designation, or employment status, and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid, provided that they have worked for at least one month during the calendar year.”

“Also entitled to the benefit are rank-and-file employees who are paid on a piece-rate basis, fixed, or guaranteed wage plus commission; those with multiple employers; those who resigned; those who were terminated from employment; or those who were on maternity leave and received salary differential.”

In accordance with the Philippine Labor Code and Presidential Decree 851, the required benefit must be at least one-twelfth (1/12) of the total basic pay earned by an employee for the calendar year.

It is calculated as follows: total basic wage divided by 12 months = proportionate 13th month pay.

The labor advisory cited, “No request or application for exemption from payment of the 13th month pay, or for deferment of its payment shall be accepted and allowed.”

To ensure that business owners follow the law, the government requires employers to file a report through the DOLE establishment report system by January 15, 2024.

The DOLE Regional/Field/Provincial Office with jurisdiction over the business will be among those who will oversee a workplace’s compliance with the general labor standard.

From Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, the public should call the DOLE hotline at 1349 or 0931-066-2573 for any questions about the 13th month’s compensation.
In addition, Questions may also be submitted via email to hotline1349@dole.gov.ph or by direct message to DOLE’s Facebook Page.