Año pushes for early release of 13th month pay to help workers during lockdown

MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Manila Council is mulling to recommend the early release of the 13th-month pay for workers in Metro Manila who will be affected by the community quarantine, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Saturday.

“Kung pwede magamit na yung 13th month pay pambayad dito sa isang buwan na hindi magtrabaho,” Año said as he explained some possible guidelines for workers during the community quarantine which were discussed at the Metro Manila Council (MMC) meeting.

(We will ask if we can use the 13th month pay to pay for those workers who will fail to work during the quarantine.)

Año said the proposal is subject to discussion with the Department of Trade and Industry, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and employers.

With Metro Manila under community quarantine,  employers of the private sectors are encouraged to implement flexible working arrangements.

Metro Manila mayors are also proposing to use leaves and other privileges for workers to strictly implement social distancing in the region, Año said.

“Ine-encourage namin ang employers kung pwede mag-adjust sa work schedule,” the Interior Secretary said.

(We will encourage employers if we can adjust the work schedule.)

“Pangalawa, kung pupwede, gamitin na mga leaves, privileges ng kanilang mga trabahante para mabawasan na yung aalis ng bahay,” he added.

(Second, if we can, use the leaves, privileges of employees to lessen those who would opt to leave their homes.)

The community quarantine on Metro Manila will be enforced from March 15 (Sunday) until April 14.

Edited by MUF