DOLE reminds Western Visayas firms of 13th-month pay rules

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 6 has reminded private sector employers across Western Visayas to ensure the timely release of employees’ 13th-month pay on or before December 24, 2025, in accordance with Presidential Decree 851 and the Labor Code of the Philippines.

The reminder is reiterated in Labor Advisory No. 16, series of 2025, which Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma issued to guide employers on the proper computation and payment of the mandatory benefit.

Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. emphasized that all rank-and-file employees are entitled to the benefit, regardless of their position, employment status, or wage payment method, provided they have worked for at least one month during the calendar year.

Employers are mandated to grant the 13th-month pay, which must be no less than one-twelfth (1/12) of an employee’s total basic salary earned within the calendar year as a mandatory benefit.

Under existing rules, private sector employees entitled to the benefit include piece-rate workers, employees who receive a fixed or guaranteed wage plus commission, workers with multiple employers, and those who resigned, were terminated, or went on maternity leave but earned wages during the year.

Employees who received salary differentials are also covered by the benefit.

Employers may release the 13th-month pay in two installments, with the first paid mid-year and the second in December, as long as the full amount is released on or before December 24.

Atty. Rodriguez reminded employers that the timely release of mandatory benefits is not only a legal obligation but also a reflection of responsible business practices.

He added that DOLE Region 6 is committed to assisting both employers and employees to ensure smooth and lawful compliance with the requirement.