By Liza Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued an advisory, reminding private-sector employers to release the 13th-month pay of workers not later than December 24, 2023.

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma issued Labor Advisory No. 25 Series of 2023 on November 8. Under the advisory, computation of the mandatory benefit should be under the Philippine Labor Code and Presidential Decree No. 851.

The issuance reiterates that the 13th-month pay “shall be paid to 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, provided that they have worked for at least one month during the calendar year.”

Also entitled to the benefit are rank-and-file employees who are paid on a piece-rate basis, fixed, or guaranteed wage plus commission; those with multiple employers; those who resigned; those who were terminated from employment; or those who were on maternity leave and received salary differential.

DOLE also advised the public to call DOLE Hotline 1349 or 0931-066-2573 regarding queries on the 13th month’s pay.

(ai/mnm)