The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has officially announced the pay regulations for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration, which falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This date has been declared a special non-working day across the Philippines, as per Proclamation 1006-2025, allowing Filipinos to participate in one of the nation's most festive and widely observed cultural events.
Mandatory Wage Increases for Working Employees
In Labor Advisory 01-2026, released on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, DOLE emphasized that employers must strictly follow the established pay rules for this holiday. Employees who are required to work during the special non-working day will receive an additional 30 percent of their basic wage for the first eight hours of labor. This ensures fair compensation for those who sacrifice their holiday time.
Overtime and Rest Day Provisions
For overtime work performed on Chinese New Year, employees are entitled to an additional 30 percent of their hourly rate on top of the standard holiday pay. In cases where the special non-working day coincides with an employee's scheduled rest day, the compensation increases significantly. Employers must pay an additional 50 percent of the basic wage for the first eight hours worked, with overtime on such a day also warranting an extra 30 percent of the hourly rate.
Application of "No Work, No Pay" Principle
The "no work, no pay" principle remains in effect for employees who do not report for duty on February 17, 2026. However, this rule can be overridden if a company has a favorable policy, established practice, or collective bargaining agreement that grants payment for special non-working days. DOLE encourages employers to review and adhere to such agreements to maintain harmonious labor relations.
Chinese New Year is celebrated with great enthusiasm by both the National Government and the Filipino public, highlighting the country's rich cultural diversity. These pay rules aim to balance festive observance with economic productivity, ensuring workers are fairly compensated during this important holiday.
