Regular holiday vs. special non-working holiday
The Philippines has two categories of holidays, and they're treated very differently under Article 94 of the Labor Code. Regular holidays (like New Year's Day, Independence Day, and Christmas) are paid even if you don't work. Special non-working holidays (like Ninoy Aquino Day or Black Saturday) follow the "no work, no pay" principle — you're only paid if you actually work.
| Scenario | Regular holiday | Special non-working holiday |
|---|
| Not worked | 100% of daily wage | No pay (unless company policy says otherwise) |
| Worked (first 8 hrs) | 200% of daily wage | 130% of daily wage |
| Worked + also rest day | 260% of daily wage | 150% of daily wage |
| Overtime (beyond 8 hrs) | +30% of that day's hourly rate | +30% of that day's hourly rate |
Worked examples
Example: Regular holiday, not worked
Daily wage₱610
Rate100%
Holiday pay₱610.00
Example: Regular holiday, worked, also rest day
Daily wage₱610
Rate260%
Holiday pay₱1,586.00
Example: Special non-working holiday, worked
Daily wage₱610
Rate130%
Holiday pay₱793.00
The "present or on leave" rule
To qualify for unworked regular holiday pay, you generally need to have been present, or on paid leave, on the workday immediately before the holiday. Employees who were on approved leave without pay on that preceding workday may not qualify, depending on company policy.
Overtime on a holiday
Overtime work performed on a holiday — regular or special — is paid at an additional 30% of your hourly rate for that day, and that hourly rate already reflects whichever holiday premium applies. In other words, the overtime premium stacks on top of the holiday rate rather than being computed on your ordinary hourly rate.
When two regular holidays fall on the same date
Occasionally, two regular holidays coincide on the same calendar date. In that case, DOLE guidance provides that an employee who did not work is entitled to 200% of their daily wage, while an employee who worked is entitled to 300% — effectively stacking both regular holiday premiums.
This calculator provides an estimate for general reference only, based on Article 94 of the Labor Code and common DOLE guidance. It isn't legal advice. Actual computation may vary depending on your employer's policies, employment contract, or any applicable collective bargaining agreement. Confirm exact figures with your employer's HR/payroll department or DOLE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the holiday pay rate for a regular holiday in the Philippines?
If you don't work on a regular holiday, you're still entitled to 100% of your daily wage, provided you were present or on paid leave the workday immediately before it. If you do work, you receive 200% of your daily wage for the first eight hours, or 260% if that regular holiday also falls on your rest day.
What is the holiday pay rate for a special non-working holiday?
Special non-working holidays follow the "no work, no pay" principle, so you generally receive nothing if you don't work, unless a favorable company policy or CBA says otherwise. If you do work, you receive an additional 30% of your daily wage, for 130% total, or 150% if it also falls on your rest day.
Do I get paid if I don't work on a regular holiday?
Yes. Regular holidays are paid even if you don't work, at 100% of your daily wage, as long as you were present or on paid leave on the workday immediately before the holiday.
How is overtime computed on a holiday?
Overtime work beyond eight hours on a holiday is paid at an additional 30% of your hourly rate on that holiday, which already includes the applicable holiday premium.
What happens when two regular holidays fall on the same day?
When two regular holidays coincide on the same date, an employee who did not work is entitled to 200% of their daily wage, and an employee who worked is entitled to 300%, per DOLE guidance on double holiday pay.