DOLE to employers: Release workers’ final pay, COE on time

Noting that questions on final pay were often raised by workers last year, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday reminded employers to release the final pay and certificate of employment (COE) of their employees on time.

In a statement, the DOLE cited Labor Advisory No. 06, series of 2020, in stressing the importance of the timely release of the final pay and COE of workers who left their jobs.

It noted that the most common issue raised by workers in in 2025 was about a worker’s final pay, making up 23,496 of the 168,853 questions received by DOLE Hotline 1349.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma warned that employers who delay or withhold final pay and employment records “are breaking the law and could face complaints or penalties.”

The agency said employers must give an employee’s final pay within 30 days after they leave the company, unless the company has a better policy.

A worker’s final pay includes all wages and benefits owed to the employee, such as unpaid salaries, pro-rated 13th month pay, separation or retirement pay, cash for unused leaves, tax refunds, and any other benefits listed in company policies or agreements.

In addition, employers should also provide a COE within three days of the employee’s request.

The DOLE’s Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) also reminded employers of their obligation to release the final pay of separated workers within 30 days, and the COE within three days of the employee’s request.

“Kasama rin sa tungkulin ng employer ang pag-isyu ng certificate of employment (COE) kapag ito ay hiniling, upang magsilbing patunay ng employment at makatulong sa paghahanap ng susunod na trabaho,” the BWC said in a Facebook post.

(The employer also has the duty to issue a certificate of employment upon request, to serve as proof of employment that can help the employee in looking for a new job.)

Failing to follow these labor standards may lead to disputes and formal complaints, the DOLE warned.

Workers who do not receive their final pay or COE on time may reach out to the DOLE Hotline 1349 from Mondays to Fridays, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

They can also email hotline1349@dole.gov.ph or message the official DOLE Facebook page. — JMA, GMA Integrated News