DOLE releases pay rules for Feb. 17, Chinese New Year

The Department of Labor and Employment has released its pay rules for February 17, 2026, a special non-working day due to the observance of the Chinese New Year.

In Labor Advisory No. 1, series of 2026 signed on February 6, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said employees reporting for work on February 17, Tuesday, should be paid as follows:

• If the employee does not work, the “no work, no pay” principle shall apply unless there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) granting payment on a special day.
• For work done during the special day, the employer shall pay the employee an additional 30% of the basic wage on the first eight hours of work (basic wage x 130%).
• For work done in excess of eight hours, the employer shall pay the employee an additional 30% of the hourly rate on said day (hourly rate of the basic wage x 130% x 130% x number of hours worked).
• For work done during the special day that also falls on the employee’s rest day, the employer shall pay the employee an additional 50% of the basic wage on the first eight hours of work (basic wage x 150%).
• For work done in excess of eight hours during the special day that also falls on the employee’s rest day, the employer shall pay the employee an additional 30% of the hourly rate on said day (hourly rae of the basic wage x 150% x 130% number of hours worked).

As to February 25, Wednesday, the DOLE said it shall be considered an ordinary working day for the purpose of payment of wages and wage-related benefits given that it is a special working day due to the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary.

• If the employee does not work, the “no work, no pay” principle shall apply unless there is a favorable company policy, practice, or CBA granting payment on a special day.
• For work done on an ordinary working day, the employer shall pay 100% of the employee’s wage for that day for the first eight hours (basic wage x 100%).
• For work done in excess of eight hours, the employer shall pay the employee an additional 25% of the hourly rate on said day (hourly rate of the basic wage x 125%).

In September, Malacanang released the list of regular holidays and special non-working days for 2026 through Proclamation 1006. — JMA, GMA Integrated News