Philippines Rights Guide
Employer Has Not Paid My Wages in the Philippines: Your Rights
Philippine law requires employers to pay wages at least twice a month. File a complaint with DOLE for free. You may be entitled to double indemnity for wage violations.
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Direct Answer
The Labor Code requires employers to pay wages at least twice a month. The current national minimum wage varies by region (set by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board). If your employer has withheld wages or paid below minimum wage, file a complaint at the DOLE Regional Office — free. You may recover the unpaid wages plus damages and attorney's fees.
What the Law Says
Your Legal Foundation
Labor Code of the Philippines (PD 442)
Article 103
“Wages shall be paid at least once every two weeks or twice a month at intervals not exceeding sixteen days.”
Labor Code of the Philippines (PD 442)
Article 116
“It shall be unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, to withhold any amount from the wages of a worker or induce him to give up any part of his wages by force, stealth, intimidation, threat or by any other means whatsoever.”
Republic Act 8188
Section 1
“Employers who pay below minimum wage shall pay double the applicable minimum wage to the aggrieved employee as indemnity.”
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in my region of the Philippines?
Minimum wages are set by Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) and vary by region, sector, and sometimes city. The latest minimum wages are at nwpc.dole.gov.ph. NCR (Metro Manila) generally has the highest minimum wage.
My employer deducts money without explaining why — is that legal?
No. Under Article 113 of the Labor Code, deductions from wages are only permitted for SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG contributions, tax, and items specifically authorised by the employee in writing. Unauthorised deductions can be reported to DOLE.
My SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG contributions are being deducted but not remitted — what do I do?
Report directly to each agency: SSS (1455), PhilHealth (02-8441-7442), Pag-IBIG (02-8724-4244). Non-remittance of employee contributions is a criminal offence under each agency's charter.
I am an OFW — do my Philippines labour rights still apply?
Your employment is governed by your POEA-approved contract. You can file complaints with the NLRC or POEA. If the violation occurred abroad, the POEA and your recruitment agency are liable for ensuring your rights are protected.
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