House helpers also entitled to 13th month pay – DOLE

Bienvenido Laguesma —Photo from DOLE facebook page

Household helpers, or “kasambahay,” should get their 13th month pay as they are also entitled to this mandated workers’ benefit, Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma reminded employers on Friday, a day before the Dec. 24 deadline.

Laguesma said that house maids and household drivers are included among those eligible for the 13th month pay, which should be paid to them before Christmas Day as stipulated under the law.

“The law is clear. Household helpers are entitled and should be granted … They are included in the 13th month pay,” he told a radio interview.

He made the remark as he nudged employers to give out the benefits as they are bound by the law.

Under Labor Advisory No. 3 issued in November, employers in the private sector are required to pay their workers, regardless of employment status, position and the manner by which their wages are paid.

It should also be handed out to rank and file employees, whether they have fixed salaries or commission-based, freelancers, and those who resigned or were terminated, as long as they rendered at least a month’s work for the year.

Requests for exemption or deferment of payment of 13th month pay would not be allowed, according to the Dole memo.

Laguesma noted that the amount of a worker’s 13th month pay is equivalent to the basic salary earnings for the year divided by 12 months.

Workers who have not received their holiday benefits may file complaints with the labor department, Laguesma earlier said.

Earlier, Sen. Raffy Tulfo had proposed that business permits of companies should be denied renewal if they fail to give out on time the 13th month pay of their employees.