The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued a crucial reminder to all private sector companies across the Philippines. Employers must submit their mandatory compliance reports regarding the 13th month pay benefit for employees on or before January 15, 2026.
What Employers Must Report
In a recent advisory, DOLE emphasized that this submission is a compulsory requirement for all private establishments. The report must be filed in accordance with Labor Advisory No. 16 - 2025 and must contain specific, detailed information about the company and its disbursement of the annual benefit.
The required data includes:
- The official name and complete address of the establishment.
- The principal product or line of business.
- Total number of employees and the total number who received the benefit.
- The amount granted to each employee and the total sum of all benefits paid out.
- Contact details (name, position, and telephone number) of the person preparing the report.
How and Where to Submit
DOLE has streamlined the submission process through its online platform. Employers are directed to file their compliance reports electronically via the DOLE Establishment Report System (DERS) at the official web address: https://reports.dole.gov.ph.
This digital system is designed to facilitate easier and faster reporting for businesses nationwide, ensuring efficient processing by the labor department.
The Legal Basis and Importance
The 13th month pay is a fundamental right for rank-and-file employees in the private sector, enshrined in law under Presidential Decree No. 851. This annual bonus, equivalent to one month's basic salary, must be given to qualified employees not later than December 24 of each year.
The compliance report serves as a vital monitoring tool for DOLE. It allows the agency to verify that employers are fulfilling this significant legal obligation and protecting workers' welfare. Failure to submit the report or to provide the mandated benefit can result in penalties and sanctions from the labor department.
With the January 15 deadline approaching, DOLE urges all private employers to act promptly. Gathering the necessary payroll and company information early will ensure a smooth and timely submission through the DERS portal, avoiding any last-minute complications or potential non-compliance issues.
