DOLE Releases Comprehensive Pay Guidelines for Holy Week Holidays
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has officially issued pay rules for the upcoming Holy Week, covering both regular holidays and a special non-working day. This announcement, detailed in Labor Advisory 5-2026, ensures that workers are properly compensated for their labor during this significant period.
Pay Rates for Regular Holidays: Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
According to the advisory, employees who work on the regular holidays of Maundy Thursday (April 2) and Good Friday (April 3) are entitled to specific pay rates. For the first eight hours of work, employers must pay 200 percent of the employee's regular wage. If overtime is required, an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate applies for each hour beyond the standard workday.
In cases where these regular holidays fall on an employee's designated rest day, the compensation increases. The employer shall pay an additional 30 percent on top of the 200 percent basic wage for the first eight hours, plus the standard 30 percent overtime rate for extra hours.
For employees who do not work on these regular holidays, the employer is obligated to pay 100 percent of their wage for that day, ensuring no loss of income during the holiday period.
Compensation for Special Non-Working Day: Black Saturday
Black Saturday (April 4) has been declared a special non-working day, and DOLE has outlined distinct pay rules for this occasion. Workers who are on duty for the first eight hours will receive an additional 30 percent of their basic wage. Overtime work during this day also warrants an extra 30 percent of the hourly rate.
If Black Saturday coincides with an employee's rest day, the pay rate is higher. Employers must provide an additional 50 percent of the basic wage for the initial eight hours, along with the 30 percent overtime premium for any hours worked beyond that.
However, for employees who do not work on this special non-working day, the "no work, no pay" principle generally applies. Payment may only be granted if specified by company policy or a collective bargaining agreement, highlighting the importance of workplace agreements.
Legal Basis and Implementation
These pay rules are grounded in Proclamation 1006-2025, which officially designates April 2 and 3 as regular holidays for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, respectively. The same proclamation establishes April 4 as a special non-working day for Black Saturday, providing the legal framework for DOLE's advisory.
The Department of Labor and Employment emphasizes that these guidelines are mandatory for all employers to follow, aiming to protect workers' rights and ensure fair compensation during the Holy Week. Employers are advised to review their payroll systems and communicate these changes to their staff to avoid any disputes or non-compliance issues.
