share on
New labour guidelines protect private-sector employees from administrative sanctions when severe weather poses an imminent danger, but those who stay home may not be entitled to regular pay.
Private-sector workers in the Philippines may refuse to work when weather disturbances and similar occurrences pose an imminent danger to their safety and health, without facing administrative sanctions, the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) has reminded.
The department issued the reminder through Labour Advisory No. 14, Series of 2026, signed by Francis N. Tolentino, Labor Secretary on 19 August 2026.
The advisory updates the guidelines on the suspension of work in the private sector during weather disturbances and similar occurrences.
Employers may suspend work to protect employees
Under the updated advisory, employers may suspend work as part of their management prerogative when weather disturbances or similar events create risks to workers. Such decisions should be made in coordination with the company's safety and health committee, safety officer or another responsible company officer.
The aim, DOLE said, is to protect workers from danger arising from severe weather and other disruptive events.
The updated guidance comes as heavy rains, flooding and other weather-related disruptions have affected workers and communities in parts of the Philippines.
Workers can refuse work when there is imminent danger
The advisory also sets out protections for employees who decide not to report for work because of unsafe conditions. Workers who fail or refuse to work because of imminent danger resulting from weather disturbances and similar occurrences shall not be subject to administrative sanctions, DOLE said.
This means employees should not face administrative penalties simply for refusing to report for work where severe weather creates an imminent threat to their safety and health.
However, the protection from administrative sanctions does not necessarily mean employees will continue to receive their regular wages.
Workers who stay home may not receive regular pay
Employees who do not report for work because of a work suspension are generally not entitled to regular pay, unless a company policy, established practice, or collective bargaining agreement provides otherwise.
Employees may also use their accrued leave credits, subject to the employer's approval.
Workers who report for duty are entitled to pay
For employees who do report for work during weather disturbances, DOLE has also clarified how regular pay should be handled.
Workers who render at least six hours of work are entitled to their full regular pay. Those who work for less than six hours should receive the proportionate amount of their regular pay based on the hours worked.
DOLE added that these rules are without prejudice to more favourable company policies or established practices.
The deaartment also said employers may provide additional incentives or benefits to employees who report for work during weather disturbances and similar occurrences.
Advisory updates 2025 guidelines
Labour Advisory No. 14, Series of 2026 updates Labour Advisory No. 15, Series of 2025, which was issued on 26 November 2025.
The earlier advisory provided guidelines to protect workers from imminent danger arising from disruptive events, including natural disasters, industrial accidents and public health emergencies.
The updated advisory comes as recent weather disturbances and flooding incidents have affected workers and communities across the Philippines.
It is intended to strengthen worker protection during emergencies by reinforcing workplace safety measures while providing guidance on work suspension and pay arrangements during disruptive events.
ALSO READ: DOLE Philippines sets August 2026 holiday pay rules for 21 and 31 August
share on
