Regular Holiday
Fixed by law (RA 9492). Paid even when unworked at 100% of the daily wage; 200% when worked.
Regular vs Special Non-Working Holidays in the Philippines
Philippine holidays come in three flavours, and each one pays differently. Here is the short version, with the pay differentials under the Labor Code and DOLE holiday pay rules.
The three holiday types
Special Non-Working Day
Declared by proclamation. “No work, no pay” unless company policy says otherwise; 130% when worked.
Special Working Day
An ordinary working day. No premium at all — you are paid your usual basic wage.
Holiday pay at a glance
| Scenario | Regular holiday | Special non-working | Special working |
|---|---|---|---|
| Did not work | 100% of daily wage | No pay (no work, no pay) | No pay |
| Worked (first 8 hours) | 200% | 130% | 100% (basic wage) |
| Worked on a rest day | 260% | 150% | 130% (rest-day premium) |
Rates are the statutory minimums for covered rank-and-file employees. Company policy, CBAs and exempt categories (e.g. field personnel, some retail establishments with fewer than ten workers) can differ. Confirm with DOLE or your HR department for your specific case.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a regular holiday in the Philippines?
- Regular holidays are fixed by Republic Act No. 9492 and cover nationally significant dates such as New Year's Day, Araw ng Kagitingan, Labor Day, Independence Day, National Heroes Day, Bonifacio Day, Christmas Day and Rizal Day, plus Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the two Islamic holidays. Covered employees receive 100% of their daily wage even if they do not report for work.
- What is a special non-working holiday?
- Special non-working days are declared by proclamation — examples include Chinese New Year, Black Saturday, Ninoy Aquino Day, All Saints' Day, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the last day of the year. They follow the 'no work, no pay' principle unless a company policy or collective bargaining agreement grants payment.
- What is a special working day?
- A special working day is an ordinary working day. There is no holiday premium: employees are paid their basic wage for the hours worked, exactly as on any other workday.
- How much is holiday pay on a regular holiday?
- Unworked: 100% of the daily wage. Worked: 200% for the first eight hours. Worked on a regular holiday that also falls on your rest day: 260%. Overtime adds 30% of the hourly rate on that day.
- How much is pay on a special non-working day?
- Unworked: no pay, unless company policy provides otherwise. Worked: 130% of the daily wage for the first eight hours. Worked on a special day that is also your rest day: 150%. Overtime adds 30% of the hourly rate on that day.
- Can holiday dates still change?
- Yes. Malacañang can move or add holidays through a new proclamation, and the Islamic holidays Eid'l Fitr and Eid'l Adha are confirmed only after lunar observation. Always check the Official Gazette before finalizing plans.
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