THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued an official reminder to all private sector employers that the 13th month pay of their workers must be released on or before December 24, 2026.
In Labor Advisory No. 21, Series of 2026, the agency clarified that the benefit applies to every employee regardless of position, designation, or employment status — including rank‑and‑file workers paid on a piece‑rate basis, those earning a fixed wage plus commission, employees with multiple employers, those who resigned or whose employment was terminated, and workers on maternity leave who received a salary differential.
DOLE emphasized that the minimum 13th month pay must not be less than one‑twelfth of the total basic salary earned by the employee within the calendar year.
Only earnings directly related to services rendered are included in the computation; allowances and other monetary benefits are excluded from the base amount. The department noted that its regional, field, and provincial offices will actively monitor compliance with the payment deadline and may take action against establishments that fail to provide the mandated benefit on time.
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