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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Final pay and COE must be released on time, DOLE reminds employers

Final pay and COE must be released on time, DOLE reminds employers

Published Jan 22, 2026 01:02 pm

At A Glance

  • The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded employers that delaying workers' final pay and Certificates of Employment (COE) is illegal, following a rise in nationwide complaints last year.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded employers that delaying workers’ final pay and Certificates of Employment (COE) is illegal, following a rise in nationwide complaints last year.
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said employers who fail to comply “may face complaints and corresponding penalties" under Labor Advisory No. 06, Series of 2020, which sets clear timelines for releasing final pay and issuing COEs.
Records from DOLE Hotline 1349 showed that final pay concerns topped labor complaints, with 23,496 reports out of 168,853 inquiries nationwide.
Under the advisory, employers must release an employee’s final pay within 30 days of separation unless a more favorable company policy applies.
Certificates of employment must be issued within three days upon request.
“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 other benefits listed in company policies or agreements,” DOLE explained.
The agency stressed that timely compliance prevents disputes and formal complaints.
Workers who have not received their final pay or COE on time are urged to seek assistance via DOLE Hotline 1349, available weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., or through the agency’s official email and Facebook page.

Related Tags

DOLE final pay COE labor complaints workers\' rights
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