For many workers, February often brings questions about whether a day off means a day’s pay. Thus, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is answering those questions early.
In Labor Advisory No. 01, Series of 2026, DOLE detailed how wages should be paid for February 17, Chinese New Year, and February 25, the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary, clarifying which rules apply depending on whether employees report for work or stay home.
DOLE said February 17 is a special non-working day. Employees who do not work on that day will generally not receive pay under the “no work, no pay” principle, unless their company policy, established practice, or a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) provides payment on special days.
For those who report for work on February 17, employers are required to pay an additional 30 percent of the employee’s basic wage for the first eight hours of work, on top of the regular daily wage.
Meanwhile, February 25 will be treated as a special working day for wage payment purposes.
DOLE said employees who do not work on that date will also be subject to the “no work, no pay” rule, unless a favorable company policy, practice, or CBA grants payment.
Employees who work on February 25 are entitled to their full 100 percent wage for the first eight hours of work, with no premium pay required since it is considered an ordinary working day.
DOLE reminded both employers and workers to follow the advisory to ensure proper wage computation and avoid misunderstandings in the workplace.
