13 month pay could not be postponed— Malacañang clarifies

The Malacañang clarified that the release of the 13th month pay of the employees could not be postponed unless the law is amended.

It was clarified by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III that the postponement of the giving of the bonus cannot be done legally unless it is a private transaction or agreement between the employer and employee.

About two million employees would affected if the giving of the 13th month pay will be postponed, according to the Employers Confederation of the Philippines.

The Presidential Decree No.851 states that requiring all employer to pay their employees a 13-month pay not later than December 24 every year.

Words by Donna Buñao

Photo from Inquirer