Dole studying feasibility of proposed 14th-month pay in private sector

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. (File photo from GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) is studying the feasibility of the proposed mandatory 14th-month pay for workers in the private sector.

“The President is consulting with our economic advisers,” Labor Secretary Silvestre Belllo III said in a statement on Wednesday. `We at DOLE are also consulting with both the labor and management on the feasibility of the 14-month pay to workers. In other words, there is willingness and openness in the proposal for the 14-month pay.”

Senate Bill No. 2 – “An Act Requiring Employers in the Private Sector to Pay 14th Month Pay” – was filed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III and has been pending in the Senate since July 2016.

Under the bill, “rank-and-file employees regardless of their employment status, designation, and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid provided that they have worked at least one month during the calendar year” will be entitled to a 14th month pay.

Bello said Dole would need to study the bill before indicating its position, which would also depend on results of consultations.

“Foremost is the need to maintain the beneficial social partnership between workers and employers, as well as in considering its possible implications in the economy,” Bello said.

“The proposed 14-month pay for our private workers is a huge help for their families,” he added. “It’s extra earnings to cope… with the rising inflation, but we also have to consider a lot of factors” /atm