A sharp rise in worker concerns over unpaid separation benefits has prompted the Department of Labor and Employment to reiterate employers’ legal duties on releasing final pay and employment records.
Data from DOLE showed that inquiries about final pay topped last year’s labor-related questions, with 23,496 out of 168,853 calls and messages received by Hotline 1349 in 2025 focusing on delayed or missing payouts. The agency said the volume underscores persistent compliance gaps despite existing rules.
Citing Labor Advisory No. 06, series of 2020, DOLE stressed that workers who have left their jobs are entitled to receive their final pay no later than 30 days after separation, unless a company policy provides a shorter period. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma cautioned that employers who fail to comply “are breaking the law and could face complaints or penalties.”
Final pay, the department explained, covers all outstanding compensation and benefits due to a worker. This includes unpaid wages, prorated 13th month pay, separation or retirement pay where applicable, cash equivalent of unused leave credits, tax refunds, and other benefits specified under company rules or agreements.
Beyond monetary obligations, DOLE also reminded employers of their duty to issue a certificate of employment within three days of an employee’s request. The Bureau of Working Conditions echoed this requirement, emphasizing the role of the document in helping former workers secure new jobs.
“Kasama rin sa tungkulin ng employer ang pag-isyu ng certificate of employment (COE) kapag ito ay hiniling, upang magsilbing patunay ng employment at makatulong sa paghahanap ng susunod na trabaho,” the BWC said in a Facebook post.
Employees who encounter delays or non-release of final pay or COE may seek assistance through DOLE Hotline 1349 from Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., or by contacting hotline1349@dole.gov.ph and the agency’s official Facebook page.
