Department of Labor and Employment released an advisory to private employers to release the 13^th month pay on every employee on or before December 25 (Christmas Day).

According to Labor secretary Rosalinda Baldoz each employer must take responsibility for the early release of the 13^th month pay she noted that no matter what is the nature of pay and employment, Baldoz added that if a certain employment work for a month on the calendar year he or she is still entitled to receive the mandatory pay.

The basis for 13^th month pay computation is the amount of the worker gross pay which includes all allowances and overtime if necessary multiplied the month he worked divided by 12 months/year.

For Example Worker A works for just only 5 months in a year earning 7,000 per month, his 13^th month computation would be (7,000 x 5/12=2,916 Php)

Sec. Baldoz stressed that they must release the pay early to avoid rush and other employee complain due delay of its releasing, she added December 24 is Wednesday so employer is advise to give the pay on the same day.

According to Philippine law 13^th month is a mandatory pay which every business owner’s must comply.

If employers decided to release the pay on a half basis, they must make sure the 50% must be released on the December 24 and the other half is before June or May.