THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has reminded private employers to release the 13th-month pay of their workers on or before December 24, 2025, stressing that the benefit is mandatory and non-negotiable.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, through Labor Advisory No. 16, reiterated that the 13th-month pay is a statutory right. “Employers must ensure timely and full compliance, as this benefit is crucial in supporting Filipino families during the holiday season,” DOLE said in a statement.

The requirement covers all rank-and-file employees in the private sector, regardless of job title, employment status, or method of payment, as long as they have worked for at least one month during the calendar year. This includes fixed-wage earners, piece-rate workers, employees with multiple employers, and even those who resigned, were terminated, or went on maternity leave.

The minimum benefit is computed as one-twelfth of an employee’s total basic salary earned for the year. “Basic salary” refers only to regular earnings and excludes overtime pay, night-shift premiums, unused leave credits, and cost-of-living allowances unless company policy states otherwise.

DOLE said it will strictly enforce the December 24 deadline. The Regional Office I will conduct routine inspections to ensure compliance.

Employers must also submit their compliance reports through the DOLE Online Compliance Portal by January 15, 2026, including company details, employee count, and the amount released to each worker. (Ahikam Pasion)