Employees who worked on Christmas Day, December 25, and Rizal Day, December 30, are entitled to double pay, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded the public.
In a labor advisory, DOLE emphasized that both dates are classified as regular holidays, triggering mandatory holiday pay regardless of whether employees were required to report for work.
Employees who did not work on these holidays are still entitled to their full daily wage, provided they reported for duty or were on approved paid leave on the workday immediately before the holiday.
If the day before the holiday was a rest day or non-working day, holiday pay is granted if the employee was present or on paid leave on the last working day prior.
For those who reported for work, employers must pay 200 percent of the employee’s basic wage for the first eight hours, in line with labor rules for regular holidays.
Work beyond eight hours entitles the employee to an additional 30 percent of their hourly rate, computed on top of the double holiday pay.
DOLE also clarified that if a regular holiday falls on an employee’s rest day, work performed on that date must be compensated with an additional 30 percent of the basic wage, on top of the 200 percent holiday pay.
Overtime in such cases carries another 30 percent premium based on the increased hourly rate.
The advisory serves as a reminder for employers to strictly follow holiday wage rules, especially during the busy year-end period when many establishments remain operational.
Workers who experience underpayment or non-payment of holiday wages are encouraged to raise the issue with management or seek assistance from DOLE field offices.
Employers who fail to comply with labor standards may face administrative sanctions.
Christmas Day and Rizal Day remain regular holidays under Philippine labor laws, granting employees special wage protection. (LLP)
