As the country prepares for a series of national holidays this April, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is reminding private sector employers to strictly comply with the proper compensation guidelines for their workforce.
With several “Red Letter Days” on the calendar—including the observance of the Lenten season and the Day of Valor (Araw ng Kagitingan)—the labor department has released a formal advisory to ensure that Filipino workers receive their rightful holiday pay. The move aims to protect employees’ earnings while providing businesses with a clear framework for payroll processing during this high-volume holiday month.
Under the existing labor laws, employees who report for work during a “Regular Holiday” are entitled to 200% of their daily wage for the first eight hours. This “double pay” rule applies to significant dates this month, such as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Day of Valor.
DOLE emphasizes that even if an employee does not work on these specific days, they are still entitled to 100% of their daily wage, provided they were present or on authorized leave with pay on the workday immediately preceding the holiday.
For “Special Non-Working Holidays,” a different set of rules applies. The “no work, no pay” principle is generally in effect unless there is a favorable company policy or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in place.
However, for those who are required to work on a Special Non-Working Day, they must be paid an additional 30% of their basic wage on top of their 100% daily rate. If the holiday falls on the employee’s scheduled rest day and they still report for duty, the premium increases to an additional 50%.
The DOLE advisory also breaks down the complexities of overtime work during these periods. Any work performed in excess of eight hours on a holiday requires an additional 30% of the hourly rate on that day.
“We urge all employers to be diligent in their computations,” a DOLE regional director noted. “The holiday season should be a time of rest and reflection, but for those who keep our economy moving by working, the law ensures they are justly compensated for their sacrifice.”
Workers who feel they are not being paid according to these official rates are encouraged to reach out to the DOLE Hotline (1349) or visit the nearest DOLE regional office for assistance.
As the long weekend approaches, the labor department’s reminder serves as a crucial “check and balance” in the employer-employee relationship. By clarifying these rules early, DOLE hopes to avoid payroll disputes and ensure that every Filipino worker can enjoy the holiday break—whether at home or on the job—with financial peace of mind.