DOLE reminds employers: Pay 13th-month pay by Dec. 24

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Monday reminded employers to release the government-mandated 13th-month pay of their employees on or before Christmas Eve.

In an advisory, DOLE issued guidelines for the payment of 13th-month pay, emphasizing that there are no exemptions and that employers must comply by December 24.

"The 13th-month pay is a statutory right of workers. Employers must ensure timely and full compliance, as this benefit is crucial in supporting Filipino families during the holiday season," DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said.

The 13th-month pay applies to all rank-and-file employees in the private sector, regardless of position, employment status, or wage payment method, provided they have worked for at least one month during the calendar year.

This includes employees paid on a piece-rate basis, those receiving fixed or guaranteed wages plus commissions, workers with multiple employers, and even those who have resigned, been terminated, or were on maternity leave with a salary differential.

The minimum 13th-month pay is equivalent to one-twelfth of the employee's total basic salary earned during the year.

Meanwhile, the labor department reminded employers that they are also required to submit their legal compliance reports through the DOLE Online Compliance Portal (https://reports.dole.gov.ph/) no later than January 15, 2026.

Reports must include company details, total employment, number of beneficiaries, the amount granted to each worker, and contact information for verification, the DOLE said.—MCG, GMA Integrated News