THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday called on private-sector employers to release the mandatory 13th-month pay of their employees as early as possible.
In a phone interview, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said they are appealing to employers not to wait for Christmas Eve before releasing the 13th month pay.
“We appeal to employers: if possible, release the 13th-month pay earlier and not wait for December 24,” Laguesma said, adding this will give their employees and their families enough time to prepare for the Christmas celebration.
“(This is) so that their workers can avoid shopping or buying Christmas items during rush hour,” said Laguesma.
Last week, the DOLE issued Labor Advisory No. 13 – 2024, which provided the guidelines for the release of the 13th month pay.
It said the 13th-month pay must be given to all rank-and-file employees in the private sector regardless of their position, designation, or employment status, and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid.
It also said that those who resigned or terminated from employment, or maternity leave and receive salary differential are entitled to 13th-month pay provided they have worked for at least one month during the calendar year.
DOLE also stressed that the 13th month pay must be paid on or before December 24, 2024.
In computing the 13th-month pay, the Labor Advisory said it should not be less than 1/12 of the total basic salary earned by an employee within a calendar year.
DOLE said a proportionate 13th-month pay must be computed by dividing the total basic salary earned during the year by 12 months.
Presidential Decree No. 851 mandates employers in the private sector to pay their rank-and-file employees 13th-month pay.
