Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Wednesday reminded employers anew to pay their employees their 13th month pay.
In a online forum, the labor chief said employers should pay their employees the 13th month pay on or before December 24.
"I want to remind employers about the 13th month pay of employees. It should be given to them on or before Dec. 24," said Bello.
"If you have not given it yet, you can already give it," he added.
According to the labor chief, workers are entitled to the 13th month pay regardless of their status.
Last October, Bello revealed that rural bankers have expressed willingness to provide soft loans to micro and small business enterprises in order for them to pay their employees the 13th month pay.
He said the Department of Trade and Industry is also willing to provide the same.
To note, the labor department also released Advisory 28-2020 regarding the 'Guidelines on the Payment of Thirteenth Month Pay," which states that "no request or application for exemptions or for deferment of the payment shall be accepted and allowed."