Photo source: Philippine News Agency (PNA)
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Monday warned private employers that no delays will be allowed in the release of the mandatory 13th-month pay.
In a statement dated December 1, DOLE said the reminder aims to ensure “a holiday season marked by hope and relief” for Filipino workers.
The agency said the directive aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for timely benefits for employees during the holidays.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma earlier signed Labor Advisory No. 16, Series of 2025, reiterating the rules on the prompt release of the benefit.
Laguesma emphasized that the 13th-month pay is a “non-negotiable” statutory right essential to the well-being of workers and their families.
Under the advisory, all rank-and-file employees in the private sector are covered regardless of position, status, or wage payment method, provided they have worked at least one month during the year.
The policy also applies to piece-rate workers, those with fixed wages plus commissions, employees with multiple employers, and workers who resigned, were terminated, or went on maternity leave with salary differential.
DOLE said the minimum amount should be “not less than one-twelfth of the employee’s total basic salary earned during the year,” excluding allowances and benefits unless treated as basic pay under company rules.
The department stressed that the 13th-month pay must be released “on or before December 24, 2025, without exception,” and that no exemption or deferment requests will be accepted.
Employers must also submit their compliance reports through the DOLE Online Compliance Portal by January 15, 2026, while workers may contact DOLE Hotline 1349 or the agency’s official Facebook page for inquiries.
