DOLE orders employers to release workers’ final pay, COE on time

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Thursday reminded employers that workers’ final pay and Certificate of Employment (COE) must be released on time, warning that failure to do so could result in complaints or penalties.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said this amid President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for strong action on labor rights.

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Based on DOLE records, issues about final pay were also the most common labor standards concern in 2025, making up 23,496 of the 168,853 questions received by the department’s Hotline 1349.

Due to this, Laguesma warned that employers who delay or withhold final pay and employment records are breaking the law and could face complaints or penalties.

Under Labor Advisory No. 06, Series of 2020, employers must give an employee’s final pay within 30 days after they leave the company, unless the company has a better policy. 

Furthermore, employers must also provide a COE within three days after the employee asks for it.

“Final pay includes all wages and benefits owed to the employee, such as unpaid salaries, pro-rated 13th month pay, separation or retirement pay, cash for unused leave, tax refunds, and any other benefits listed in company policies or agreements,” DOLE explained in a statement.

DOLE then further stressed that following labor standards is required, and not doing so can lead to disputes and formal complaints.

Meanwhile, the department reminded the working public to contact DOLE Hotline 1349—available Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.—if they did not receive their final pay or COE on time.

Affected workers also have the option to email [email protected] or message the official DOLE Facebook Page. /mr