Dole-7: Some workers didn’t receive 13th-month pay

Local

SOME workers in Central Visayas are ending the year without the extra cash they were expecting for the holiday season.

Reports have surfaced that several employers in the region have failed to provide the mandatory 13th-month pay to their employees, a benefit that is required by law and typically distributed at the end of the year.

This has caused concern among workers who rely on the additional income for holiday expenses and year-end obligations.

Roberto Cabardo, public information officer of the Department of Labor and Employment-Central Visayas (Dole-7), said on Monday, Dec. 29, that the agency has already received complaints from employees who were denied their 13th-month pay.

In an interview with MyTV Cebu, Cabardo said at least 10 complaints have been submitted online so far, representing workers from various sectors, including service-oriented businesses, manufacturing companies, and the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.

Cabardo explained that while Dole-7 is still compiling data on the total number of incidents, the complaints highlight ongoing issues with compliance among some employers.

He emphasized that the department closely monitors such cases to ensure employees receive the benefits they are legally entitled to.

Employees who are qualified for the 13th-month pay, including those who are undergoing severance, retrenchment, or termination, should still receive their benefits.

“If they are qualified, they should be given a benefit,” Cabardo said, underscoring the importance of honoring these payments regardless of an employee’s current employment status.

Cabardo also noted that some companies coordinate with Dole or the Social Enterprise Network Association (Sena) regarding the timing of 13th month pay or request extensions.

However, failure to comply with the law can result in sanctions from the agency.

The 13th month pay is mandated under Presidential Decree No. 851.

It 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 is designed to ensure that workers receive a guaranteed year-end benefit, separate from other bonuses or incentives offered by employers.

Cabardo reminded employers that compliance is not optional and that timely payment is a legal obligation.

He also encouraged employees who have not yet received their benefits to report to DOLE 7 so that their complaints can be addressed promptly.

The deadline for submitting 13th-month pay compliance reports to Dole-7 is set for Jan. 15, 2026.

Cabardo said the agency will continue monitoring compliance across industries to ensure that all employees receive their lawful benefits before the end of the reporting period.(MyTVCebu)