Workers can expect early 13th month pay, says DOLE

MANILA, Philippines – Workers nationwide can look forward to getting their 13th month pay earlier.

Amid the global economic slump, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) directed employers to grant the mandated 13th month pay to their workers way ahead of the Christmas season.

“Employers should give the 13th month pay so their workers could buy the things they need for the holiday season early and enjoy lower prices,” Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said.

Roque stressed that even with the prevailing economic crisis, employers are obliged to provide their workers 13th month and other mandatory financial benefits.         

At the same time, the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) gave assurance that workers will receive higher 13th month pay this year.

NWPC officials said the recent wage increases granted by the various Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) would be integrated in the computation of the 13th month pay.

Upon integration to the basic wage, the salary hike is already included in the computation of the workers’ wage-related benefits.

Under the Labor Code, the wage-related benefits include the 13th month pay, the equivalent of the 11 paid regular holidays, the five-day service incentive leave and the premiums under the Social Security Service, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG and Employees Compensation. – Mayen Jaymalin