The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Monday reminded employers to, if possible, give the 13th-month pay to workers earlier.

"Humihingi tayo ng pang-unawa at konsiderasyon sa ating mga employer na agahan naman nang konti para pwede pang ma-budget nang maayos ang mga bibilhin ng mga manggagawa (We ask for the understanding and consideration of our employers to give the 13th-month of their employees a little bit earlier so that they can budget what they need to buy)," DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma told the press during the yearend media conference.

"Ang ating apila, panawagan, konsiderasyon nila, para naman sa mga manggagawa, ibibigay na lamang nila, baka pwede na i-advance (Our appeal and call is for them to consider their workers. They will give it to them, so why not give it in advance)," Laguesma added.

Under the law, the 13th-month pay must be paid to rank-and-file employees in the private sector, regardless of their position, designation, or employment status, and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid, provided they have worked for at least one month during the calendar year.

The minimum 13th-month pay shall not be less than one-twelfth (1/12) of the total basic salary earned by an employee within a calendar year.

The Labor department said the 13th month pay shall be paid on or before 24 December.

It added that no request or application for exemption from payment of 13th-month pay, or for deferment of its payment, shall be accepted and allowed.

Meanwhile, employers who fail to pay their employees' 13th-month pay may face administrative penalties, criminal charges, or business permit suspension or cancellation.