The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued a crucial reminder to all private sector companies across the Philippines. The agency is urging employers to ensure they submit their mandatory compliance reports regarding the 13th month pay benefit granted to their employees.
Strict Deadline for Submission
In its official Labor Advisory No. 16 - 2025, DOLE has set a firm deadline for this requirement. All private establishments must file their 13th month pay compliance report on or before January 15, 2026. This directive underscores the government's commitment to enforcing labor standards and protecting worker benefits.
How and Where to File the Report
DOLE has streamlined the submission process through a digital platform. Employers are required to make their report of compliance using the DOLE Online Compliance Portal accessible at https://reports.dole.gov.ph/. The department emphasizes that submissions made through this official online channel are mandatory.
The compliance report is not a simple formality. It must contain specific and detailed information about the company and its disbursement of the benefit. The required data includes:
- The complete name and address of the establishment.
- Its principal product or line of business.
- Total number of employees and the total number who received the benefit.
- The amount granted per employee and the total amount of benefits paid out.
- The name, position, and contact telephone number of the person submitting the information.
Legal Basis and Payment Deadline
This annual requirement is grounded in Presidential Decree No. 851, a long-standing law that mandates all private sector employers to provide a 13th month pay to their rank-and-file employees. The benefit is a significant year-end financial boost for workers.
DOLE also reiterates the critical payment deadline for the benefit itself. Employers must have paid the 13th month pay to eligible employees on or before December 24, 2025. The upcoming January report serves as a verification mechanism to ensure this payment was made in full and on time.
Failure to comply with the reporting requirement can lead to inspections and potential penalties from the labor department. This advisory serves as a proactive notice to help businesses avoid compliance issues as the new year begins. Employers are encouraged to prepare the necessary payroll data and submit their reports well ahead of the January 15 cutoff to avoid last-minute technical difficulties on the online portal.
