By R. G. Antonet Go – PNA
ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment in Region 9 (DOLE-9) has advised workers to report to them in case their employers fail to pay them their 13th-month pay.
DOLE-9 Director Ofelia Domingo on Thursday made the call as she urged employers to release the 13th-month pay of the workers early, in time for the holiday season.
“We are encouraging employers to pay the 13th-month pay of our employees pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 851,” Domingo said.
Presidential Decree No. 851 requires employers to pay their rank and file employees 13th-month pay, regardless of the nature of their employment and irrespective of the methods by which their wages are paid, provided that they worked for at least one month during a calendar year.
The 13th-month pay shall not be less than one-twelfth of the total basic salary earned by an employee in a calendar year.
An employer, however, may give to his or her employees one-half of the 13th-month pay before the opening of the regular school year and the remaining half on or before December 24 of every year.
Domingo calls for the early release of the 13th pay to provide workers and their families ample time to prepare for the celebration of Christmas.
Qualified to receive 13th-month pay are regular workers, casuals, and contractual personnel.
