CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has advised
wage earners to wisely spend their 13th month pay and
Christmas bonus.
Speaking at the Sulong Calabarzon program of
the Philippine Information Agency Region IV-A, DOLE
Laguna senior labor and employment officer Vincent
Martinez said mindful spending is the way to go making sure that the family’s urgent needs are met while still
saving a portion for emergency or personal purposes.
“If the 13th month pay is more than enough,
then he can think about other things he wants to buy,
whether for personal use or for the household. Not everyone receives 13th month pay, but as a parent, my
advice is to prioritize our families,” Martinez said.
According to the Labor Advisory No. 25, series
of 2023 released by DOLE, the 13th month pay shall
be given to rank-and-file employees in the private sector
regardless of their position, designation, or employment
status, and irrespective of the method by which their
wages are paid, provided that they have worked for the
company at least one month during the calendar year.
DOLE reminded employers that the benefit
shall not be less than one-twelfth (1/12) of the total basic
salary earned by an employee within the calendar year
or the total basic salary earned during the year divided
by 12 months.
“The reason why companies give the 13th
month pay… It is for the productive work of our employees. If he doesn’t have deductions for absences, he will
receive the full amount,” Martinez added.
Employers were also reminded to release the
benefits on or before December 24, 2023 as stated in
the labor guidelines.
Meljhun Nerecina, a 26-year-old virtual assistant from Lipa City, Batangas, agrees with smart spending even as he laments that even middle class earners
like him are feeling the pinch of rising commodity prices.
He said his 13th month pay has already been
allocated to pay for monthly bills and that nothing is left
to be saved.
“It is right to spend wisely, however, when it
comes to saving, it is difficult. There’s nothing left because the 13th month pay is also used to pay debts
and loans, and other necessary daily expenses. Even a
middle-class Filipino’s 13th month pay is not enough to
sustain the needs,” he added.
