DOLE-6 urges timely release of 13th month pay

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 6 is urging private-sector employers in Western Visayas to release the 13th month pay of all eligible workers on or before Dec. 24, in compliance with Presidential Decree 851 and Labor Advisory No. 16, s. 2025.

Speaking on behalf of DOLE-6 Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr., Mediator-Arbiter Atty. Divine Grace Gabunas encouraged employers to release the benefit early so workers can “enjoy and properly budget” their earnings during the holiday season.

All rank-and-file employees — regardless of position, employment status, or method of payment — are entitled to 13th month pay, provided they have rendered at least one month of service within the calendar year.

By law, the 13th month pay must be no less than one-twelfth (1/12) of an employee’s total basic salary earned during the year.

For employees who worked less than 12 months, the benefit must be computed on a pro-rated basis.

Sample pro-rated computation:
• Total basic salary earned: PHP 180,000 (for 10 months)
• Formula: PHP 180,000 ÷ 12
• 13th month pay: PHP 15,000

DOLE clarified that allowances and similar benefits are excluded from the computation unless they are part of the employee’s basic salary.

Gabunas added that a 14th month pay or other bonuses may be voluntarily granted by employers or negotiated through a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), but these are not mandatory unless contractually stipulated.

While there is currently no specific administrative penalty for late release of the 13th month pay, DOLE emphasized that employees should report violations immediately.

“If it is not given, just report it so we can require the employer to comply,” Gabunas said, assuring workers that DOLE will act on non-compliance to ensure lawful benefits are received.