DOLE Releases Pay Rules for Undas and Bonifacio Day 2026: What Workers Need to Know
Holiday Pay Guidelines Issued Ahead of November Observances
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has released its official pay rules covering the upcoming Undas holidays and Bonifacio Day 2026, providing clarity for both employers and employees on compensation during these significant dates. The advisory, published on October 13, 2026, outlines the mandatory pay structures for workers across the Philippines during the November holiday period.
The guidelines cover October 31 (eve of All Saints' Day), November 1 (All Saints' Day) — both classified as special non-working holidays — and November 30 (Bonifacio Day), which holds the status of a regular holiday.
Understanding the Pay Structure
The distinction between special non-working holidays and regular holidays significantly affects worker compensation. Here's a breakdown of what employees can expect:
Special Non-Working Holidays (October 31 and November 1)
For these dates, the following rules apply:
- If the employee does not work: The "no work, no pay" principle applies, unless there is a company policy or collective bargaining agreement granting compensation
- If the employee works: They are entitled to an additional 30% of their basic wage for the first eight hours of work
- Overtime work: An additional 30% of the hourly rate on top of the premium pay for work beyond eight hours
Regular Holiday (November 30 — Bonifacio Day)
As a regular holiday, Bonifacio Day carries more substantial benefits:
- If the employee does not work: They are entitled to receive 100% of their regular daily rate, provided they worked on the day immediately preceding the holiday or are on approved leave
- If the employee works: They receive 200% of their basic wage for the first eight hours
- Overtime work: An additional 30% of the hourly rate on top of the 200% premium
- Work on a rest day that falls on a holiday: An additional 30% of the basic wage on top of the 200%
Context and Background
The release of these pay rules follows a consistent pattern established by DOLE over previous years. In 2025, the department issued similar advisories through Labor Advisory No. 13, ensuring workers and employers alike could plan ahead for the November holiday season.
The timing of this year's advisory — issued approximately two weeks before the first covered date — provides employers sufficient lead time to adjust payroll systems and budgets accordingly. This early release is particularly important for small and medium enterprises that may need to make operational adjustments.
The Undas period, which encompasses All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, represents one of the most significant cultural observances in the Philippines. Millions of Filipinos traditionally return to their home provinces to visit the graves of deceased relatives, making it both a spiritual and logistical phenomenon that affects businesses nationwide.
Bonifacio Day, meanwhile, commemorates the birth of Andres Bonifacio, founder of the Katipunan revolutionary society and a national hero. As a regular holiday, it reflects the government's recognition of its historical significance.
Implications for Employers and Workers
The release of these guidelines carries several important implications:
For employers: Non-compliance with holiday pay rules can result in labor disputes, fines, and potential legal action. Employers must ensure their payroll systems are updated to reflect the correct rates, particularly for businesses operating during the holiday period. Retail, hospitality, and essential services sectors — which typically remain operational during holidays — should pay particular attention to these requirements.
For workers: Employees should verify their payslips against these guidelines to ensure they receive proper compensation. Those working on these dates should be aware that the premiums are mandatory, not discretionary. Workers who believe they have been underpaid can file complaints with DOLE's regional offices.
For the broader economy: The holiday premiums represent an additional labor cost for businesses, but they also inject additional income into the economy during a period of high consumer spending. The Undas season typically sees increased economic activity in transportation, food, and retail sectors.
Looking Ahead
As the November holidays approach, DOLE is expected to maintain its enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance. Workers and employers alike are encouraged to review the full advisory on DOLE's official website for specific computations and edge cases not covered in general summaries.
The consistent release of these advisories year after year underscores the government's commitment to protecting workers' rights while providing businesses with the predictability needed for effective planning. For now, both employers and employees have the information they need to navigate the upcoming holiday season with confidence — ensuring that the observance of Undas and Bonifacio Day remains both meaningful and fair for all Filipino workers.
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