Some holiday cheer went missing for workers in Central Visayas, as several employees opened their wallets only to find their expected 13th month pay absent.
The Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas (Dole 7) has already received complaints from employees denied the mandatory year-end benefit.
Roberto Cabardo, Dole 7 public information officer, said the agency has recorded at least 10 online complaints so far, covering workers from service-oriented businesses, manufacturing firms, and the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.
While Dole 7 continues to compile data on the total number of incidents, the complaints highlight ongoing compliance issues among some employers.
In an phone interview, Cabardo emphasized that all qualified employees, including those undergoing severance, retrenchment, or termination, should still receive their 13th month pay.
“If they are qualified, they should be given a benefit,” he said, noting that failure to comply with the law can result in sanctions.
Mandated under Presidential Decree No. 851, the 13th month pay requires all rank-and-file employees—regardless of designation, employment status, or method of compensation—to receive one-twelfth of their basic salary earned within a calendar year.
The law guarantees a year-end benefit separate from other bonuses or incentives offered by employers.
Cabardo reminded employees who have yet to receive their benefits to report to Dole 7 for immediate action.
Employers are required to submit their 13th-month pay compliance reports by January 15, 2026.
Labor authorities also reiterated rules on holiday pay.
Employees who reported for work on Christmas Day must receive double pay for the first eight hours, with additional compensation for overtime.
Those who did not work but had reported the day before or were on approved leave are entitled to 100 percent of their daily wage.
Workers required to serve on a rest day coinciding with the holiday are entitled to even higher pay.
Failure to comply may result in administrative complaints and penalties.
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