DOLE TO EMPLOYERS: RELEASE 13TH MONTH PAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Friday reminded employers in the private sector to release the 13th month pay of workers not later than December 24, 2023.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma issued Labor Advisory No. 25, Series of 2023 on November 8 providing guidelines to employers and workers on the proper computation of the mandatory benefit.

The 13th month pay is pursuant to the Labor Code of the Philippines and Presidential Decree No. 851.

According to DOLE, 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.”

The Labor Department added that 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 a salary differential.