The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded all companies in Palawan to release the 13th month pay of their employees before December 24.
DOLE-Palawan provincial head Luis Evangelista said Wednesday that the 13th month pay should be availed by the employee who already worked for one month in accordance with Presidential Decree 851.
He said the total of basic salary received for the duration of work will be divided into 12 months.
“‘Yong 13th month pay ay kailangang ibigay sa mga empleyado na nagtrabaho na ng 30 days o isang buwan, hindi lang ‘yong mga nagtrabaho ng labing dalawang buwan o higit pa at nakasaad po ‘yan sa batas. Basta kung ikaw ay nakapagtrabaho na ng isang buwan ang natanggap mo na sweldo ay idi-divide lang sa 12 months, ‘yon ang 13th month pay mo. Dapat din maibigay ‘yon bago dumating ang December 24 kada taon,” Evangelista said.
He added that retired and resigned employees are also entitled to avail their 13th month pay.
“Ayon sa batas, kahit ikaw ay nag-resign na o nag-retiro na ay entitled ka to avail ito,” he said.
In addition, companies that will violate will be requested to appear before the DOLE.
All 13th month pay related complaints may also be filed in their office to call the attention of the company.
“Sakaling hindi sakto ang ibinigay ng employer ay maaari ay pwede silang pumunta dito sa opisina ng DOLE upang maipatawag ang kompanya. Magkakaroon ng conference at aayusin ‘yan. Request for assistance lang naman ‘yan,” he said.
Meanwhile, Christmas bonuses are not mandated by law, according to Evangelista.
“Wala tayong batas na nagsasabing dapat magbigay ng bonus ang kompanya, depende kay employer ‘yan. It is an act of gratitude na lang,” he added.
