Manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued an order to closely monitor the compliance of companies with the mandatory provision of the 13th month pay to workers. This initiative aims to ensure adherence to the regulations set forth under Presidential Decree No. 851, which mandates establishments to provide 13th month pay to their employees.

According to Philippines News Agency, in Labor Advisory No. 16-2025, DOLE instructed all its field offices to oversee and ensure that businesses adhere to the mandated provision. The compliance will be monitored by the relevant DOLE Regional, Field, or Provincial Office that has jurisdiction over the respective workplaces. It is emphasized that companies are required to provide the 13th month pay to their employees without any exceptions.

The 13th month pay must be distributed to rank-and-file workers, regardless of their position, designation, or employment status, and irrespective of how their wages are paid. The only prerequisite is that they must have worked for at least one month during the calendar year. The minimum 13th month pay should not be less than one-twelfth of the total basic salary earned by an employee within a calendar year.

Furthermore, DOLE reminded employers about the necessity to submit their compliance reports concerning the 13th month pay. Employers are required to report their compliance through the DOLE Online Compliance Portal at https://reports.dole.gov.ph/ by January 15, 2026, at the latest. The deadline for the payment of the 13th month pay is on or before December 24.