MANILA, Philippines?Hand out the 13th month pay.

The Department of Labor and Employment reminded employers on Friday to give workers their 13th month pay as this is mandated by law.

Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said employers should pay their employees the 13th month pay not later than Dec. 24.

He advised workers who have not received the extra pay on or before Dec. 24 to report their management to the nearest DOLE office.

The department said that the 13th month pay must not be less than one-twelfth (1/12) of the total basic salary earned by an employee in a calendar year.

Roque also reminded workers not to confuse the 13th month pay with the Christmas bonus, which is a management prerogative.

He noted that employers may grant their workers bonuses on top of the 13th month pay, depending on their discretion, or Collective Bargaining Agreement and other agreements.