ILOILO City — The Department of Labor and Employment in Western Visayas (DOLE-6) has reminded employers across the region to comply with regulations on 13th month pay and holiday pay, emphasizing deadlines and legal obligations this holiday season.
Employers are required to submit a compliance report using the DOLE Establishment Report System (DERS) at https://reports.dole.gov.ph by January 15, 2026. Meanwhile, the payment of 13th month pay to all eligible employees must be completed by December 24, 2025.
“No exemptions or deferments will be granted. Employers are expected to fulfill this obligation on time,” DOLE-6 emphasized, highlighting the importance of adhering to labor laws to ensure workers receive their entitled benefits during the holidays.
Key advisory points
Employers are reminded to submit a report on their 13th month pay obligations through the DOLE Establishment Report System (DERS) portal. The DOLE will monitor these submissions and may conduct inspections or audits to ensure compliance.
The 13th month pay is a mandatory benefit equivalent to one-twelfth of an employee’s total basic salary earned within the calendar year, providing essential financial support during the holiday season. Under Labor Advisory No. 17, Series of 2025, holiday pay regulations specify that employees who do not work on a regular holiday, such as December 25, are entitled to 100% of their basic wage, while those who work on the holiday receive 200% of their basic wage.
Overtime on a regular holiday is compensated at 200% of the hourly basic wage, multiplied by 130%, and then by the number of hours worked. For employees who work on a scheduled rest day, the pay rate is 200% of the basic wage multiplied by 130%, while overtime on a rest day is calculated at 200% of the hourly basic wage, multiplied by 130% and then by an additional 130%, further multiplied by the total hours worked.
DOLE-6 stressed that compliance not only ensures legal adherence but also enhances employee morale and fosters a fair, productive workplace.
Employers seeking guidance or wishing to report violations are encouraged to contact the nearest DOLE office or visit the official DOLE website for resources and support./PN
