Manila: Private sector employees in the Philippines who choose to work on February 17, designated as a special non-working day, will receive additional compensation, as outlined by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). According to Labor Advisory No. 12, Series of 2025, signed by Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, employees working on this day will be entitled to an additional 30% of their daily wage for the first eight hours of work.
According to Philippines News Agency, the advisory highlights that those who do not report to work on February 17 will not receive this additional compensation, adhering to the "no work, no pay" policy unless a company has a more favorable arrangement in place. For employees who work beyond eight hours, employers are required to pay an additional 30% of the hourly rate. If the special day coincides with an employee's rest day, the compensation increases to an additional 50% of the basic wage for the first eight hours of work.
The guidelines, issued under Proclamation No. 1006, Series of 2025, aim to clarify the pay structure for this special day. DOLE, through the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), also emphasized that Filipino workers cannot be dismissed without valid legal grounds. NLRC Commissioner Hernan Nicdao reiterated the principle of security of tenure, noting that employees can only be terminated for just or authorized causes.
Nicdao further explained that employers must provide appropriate separation or retirement pay if job loss is not due to an employee's fault. In redundancy cases, workers should receive one month's salary for each year of service, while retrenchment or illness cases require at least half a month's salary for each year of service. He also cautioned that employers refusing to reinstate workers after approved sick leave without lawful reason could face illegal dismissal complaints.
To expedite dispute resolution, the labor department provides the Single Entry Approach, where trained mediators assist in amicable settlements before cases reach formal arbitration. Should mediation fail, workers have the option to file formal cases with the NLRC, with free legal assistance available through the Public Attorney's Office. Successful claimants in illegal dismissal cases may receive reinstatement with back wages or separation pay if returning to work is not feasible.
Workers seeking assistance regarding dismissal, separation pay, or workplace rights are encouraged to visit NLRC offices or consult its official website and Facebook page for further guidance.
