MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday reminded employers in the private sector to release their workers’ 13th month pay on or before Dec. 24.
An advisory signed by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said employers are mandated to give the bonus under Presidential Decree 851.
“The law requires employers to give the 13th month pay not later than Dec. 24,” Bello said.
He said rank and file employees in the private sector must receive 13th month pay as long as they worked for at least one month during the entire year regardless of their position, designation or employment status.
Bello said employers may opt to give half of the bonus before the opening of school year and the other half before Christmas.
Under the law, employers are required to submit to the DOLE their compliant report not later than Jan. 15.