Bad weather? DOLE reminds private employers on work suspension, pay

Stranded commuters board a police vehicle offering free ride along a flooded street triggered by heavy monsoon rains in Manila on Aug. 17, 2026.

AFP / Ted Aljibe

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment reminded the private sector employers that they may suspend work amid bad weather conditions as the southwest monsoon or habagat continues to affect several areas in Luzon.

In Labor Advisory No. 14, series of 2026, released on Wednesday, August 19, the labor agency said employers may suspend work operations to ensure the safety and health of workers amid weather disturbances and similar circumstances.

The agency also laid out the rules on payment of wages.

The “no work, no pay” rule applies to workers who decline to work amid bad weather conditions, unless more favorable conditions are provided under company policies or collective bargaining agreements (CBA).

Employees who work for six hours, meanwhile, are entitled to full regular pay.

Those who work for less than six hours must receive the proportionate amount of their regular pay, based on the number of hours they rendered.

“To alleviate the plight of employees during weather disturbances and similar occurrences, employers may provide extra incentives or benefits to employees who reported to work on the said days,” the advisory stated.

The agency stressed that employees who refused or failed to report to work due to impending danger brought by severe weather conditions shall not be subjected to administrative sanctions.

Government workers have shifted to alternative work arrangements for almost a week now as persistent rains continue to affect Metro Manila and several Luzon areas.