Employers told: Pay 13th month on time

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-7 has reminded the employers to pay the 13th month pay of their employees on time.

DOLE-7 regional director Lilia A. Estillore said by “on time”, it means such must be paid on or before December 24.

“For the year, the Thirteenth Month Pay must be received by the workers not later than December 24, 2023,” said Estillore in a statement.

She said that 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 must receive the 13th month pay.

“This comes with one condition though, and that is they have worked in their company for at least one month during the calendar year,” she said.

Employees who are paid on piece-rate basis, fixed or guaranteed wage plus commission, and those with multiple employers including those who resigned, and were terminated from employment are eligible to receive the 13th month pay in proportion to the number of months/days they have served or worked in 2023.

The minimum 13th month pay shall not be less than one-twelfth (1/12) of the total basic salary earned by a worker within the calendar year.

“To make it simple, one will just have to add the total basic salary earned during the year and divide it with 12 months. The result is the proportionate 13th month pay. The basic pay component for overtime work shall be included in computing the 13th month pay,” Estillore said.

The labor regional head clarified that no request or application for exemption from payment of the 13th month pay or for deferment of its payment shall be accepted and allowed by the DOLE.

Employers shall make a report of their compliance through the DOLE Establishment Report System at https://reports.dole.gov.ph/ not later than January 15,  2024.

Estillore further said that the department shall be monitoring compliance with the 13th month pay through their conduct of inspection under Department Order No. 238, Series of 2023. — (FREEMAN)