How to compute holiday pay and overtime pay in the Philippines

Navigating the intricacies of Philippine labor standards is essential for both employers and employees to ensure compliance with the Labor Code of the Philippines and various issuances from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Compensation for work performed beyond regular hours or during rest days and holidays is a statutory right designed to protect worker welfare.


1. Regular vs. Special Non-Working Holidays

The Philippines recognizes two distinct types of holidays, each with different pay rules.

Regular Holidays

These are fixed dates (e.g., Christmas Day, Independence Day) or dates determined by law.

  • If Unworked: The employee is entitled to 100% of their daily rate, provided they were present or on paid leave on the workday immediately preceding the holiday.
  • If Worked: The employee receives 200% of their daily rate for the first 8 hours.
  • If Worked on a Rest Day: If the regular holiday falls on the employee’s scheduled rest day and they work, they receive 260% of their daily rate.

Special Non-Working Days

These are often declared via executive order or specific laws (e.g., Ninoy Aquino Day, All Saints' Day).

  • If Unworked: The "no work, no pay" principle applies, unless a favorable company policy or Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) exists.
  • If Worked: The employee receives an additional 30% of their daily rate (Total: 130%).
  • If Worked on a Rest Day: If the special day falls on a rest day and they work, they receive an additional 50% (Total: 150%).

2. Overtime Pay Computation

Overtime (OT) refers to work performed beyond the mandatory eight (8) hours a day.

Regular Workday Overtime

Work in excess of 8 hours on an ordinary working day warrants an additional 25% of the hourly rate.

  • Formula:

Holiday or Rest Day Overtime

Work in excess of 8 hours during a holiday or rest day warrants an additional 30% of the specific hourly rate applicable to that day.

  • On a Rest Day/Special Day:
  • On a Regular Holiday:

3. Night Shift Differential

Any work performed between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM entitles the employee to a Night Shift Differential (NSD) of no less than 10% of their regular hourly rate for each hour worked.

  • Ordinary Day Night Shift:
  • Overtime on Night Shift: The NSD is applied to the overtime rate.

4. Summary Table of Premium Rates

The following table summarizes the percentages applied to the basic daily/hourly rate:

Day Type First 8 Hours Overtime (Per Hour)
Ordinary Day 100% 125%
Rest Day 130% 169% (130% x 130%)
Special Non-Working Day 130% 169% (130% x 130%)
Special Day on Rest Day 150% 195% (150% x 130%)
Regular Holiday 200% 260% (200% x 130%)
Regular Holiday on Rest Day 260% 338% (260% x 130%)

5. Double Holidays

A "double holiday" occurs when two holidays fall on the same day (e.g., Araw ng Kagitingan and Maundy Thursday).

  • If Unworked: The employee is entitled to 200% of their daily rate.
  • If Worked: The employee is entitled to 300% of their daily rate.

6. Exemptions from Holiday and OT Pay

Under Book III of the Labor Code, certain categories of employees are generally exempt from these premium pay requirements:

  1. Government employees (governed by Civil Service rules).
  2. Managerial employees and officers.
  3. Field personnel (those whose actual hours of work in the field cannot be determined with reasonable certainty).
  4. Members of the family of the employer who are dependent on them for support.
  5. Domestic helpers (Kasambahay) and persons in the personal service of another (though they have specific rights under the Kasambahay Law).
  6. Workers paid by results (e.g., pakyaw) as determined by DOLE regulations.

7. Legal Basis and Compliance

The failure to pay correct holiday and overtime wages constitutes a money claim under the jurisdiction of the Labor Arbiter or the DOLE Regional Director. Employers are mandated to keep accurate payroll records for at least three years to prove compliance during inspections.

Disclaimer: This content is not legal advice and may involve AI assistance. Information may be inaccurate.