Holiday Pay Guide: DOLE Sets Rules for August 21 & 25, 2025

Two holidays, one big question: How will you get paid? DOLE has finally released the guidelines for holiday pay on August 21 (Ninoy Aquino Day) and August 25 (National Heroes Day), ensuring everyone gets the compensation they deserve.

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), just dropped some crucial info that’s gonna make your August even better! Mark your calendars, folks, because we’re talking holidays and, more importantly, holiday pay!

President Marcos Jr. signed Proclamation No. 727 back on October 30, 2024, and it’s about to pay off (literally!). August 21, AKA Ninoy Aquino Day, is officially a special non-working holiday. That means it’s the 42nd anniversary of Senator Aquino’s assassination, and a day to reflect and remember.

But wait, there’s more! August 25 is National Heroes Day! This one’s a regular holiday, so get ready to honor all the brave Filipino heroes who fought for our freedom! Think epic battles, unwavering courage, and the kind of stories that make you proud to be Pinoy!

Now, for the part you’ve all been waiting for: the pay rules! DOLE is making sure everyone gets what they deserve, so stay tuned for the official guidelines. Whether you’re planning a chill day at home or hitting the streets to celebrate, knowing your rights is key.

For the special non-working day on August 21, DOLE outlined the following pay rules:

A “no work, no pay” principle shall apply if the employee does not report to work, unless there is a collective bargaining agreement that grants them a payment on a special day
If the employee reports to work, the employer shall pay an additional 30% of the basic wage of the first eight hours of work (basic wage x 130%)
For excess work done, the employer shall pay the employee an additional 30% of the hourly rate on said duty (hourly rate of the basic wage x 130% x 130% x number of hours worked)
For work done during a special day that also falls on the employee’s rest day, the employer shall pay an additional 50% of the basic wage for the first eight hours of work rendered (basic wage x 150%)
For work done exceeding eight hours during the special day that also falls on the employee’s rest day, they are entitled to an additional 30% of the hourly rate on the day (hourly rate of the basic wage x 150% x 130% x number of hours worked).

Employees who are required to work, the following rules apply:

Working on the Special Day: Employees who work on August 21 are entitled to an additional 30% of their basic wage for the first eight hours of work (basic wage x 130%).
Overtime Work: If an employee works beyond eight hours, they should receive an additional 30% of their hourly rate on said day (hourly rate of the basic wage x 130% x 130% x number of hours worked).
Special Day Falling on Rest Day: For employees working on a special day that also happens to be their rest day, they are entitled to an additional 50% of their basic wage for the first eight hours of work (basic wage x 150%).
Overtime on Rest Day: If work exceeds eight hours on a special day that also falls on the employee’s rest day, they are entitled to an additional 30% of the hourly rate on the day (hourly rate of the basic wage x 150% x 130% x number of hours worked).

For the regular holiday on August 25, the following pay rules apply:

The employer shall pay the employee 100% of the employee’s daily wage, provided that the employee reports to work or is on leave of absence with pay on the immediately preceding the regular holiday
The employer will be entitled to a double pay for the first eight hours for a work done on a regular holiday (basic wage x 200%)
For work done exceeding eight hours, the employee shall be given additional 30% of the hourly rate on the said day (hourly rate of the basic wage x 200% x 130% x number of hours worked)
For work done during a regular holiday that also falls on the employee’s rest day, the employer must pay an additional 30% of the basic wage of 200% (basic wage x 200% x 130%)
For work done in excess of eight hours during a regular holiday that also falls on the employee’s rest day, the employee must be compensated of an additional 30% of the hourly rate on said day (hourly rate of the basic wage x 200% x 130% x 130% x number of hours worked)

Keep an eye on DOLE’s official announcements for the full scoop on holiday pay!