Dear eFOI user,
Thank you for your request under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch regarding salary deductions without a valid reason.
As a general rule, employers, their representatives, or intermediaries are prohibited from deducting wages as a condition for employment or continued employment.
Under Article 117 of the Labor Code of the Philippines (PD 442), it is unlawful to deduct any amount from an employee’s wages for the benefit of the employer, their representative, or intermediary in exchange for a promise of employment or job retention.
This principle is further reinforced by DOLE Labor Advisory No. 11, Series of 2014, which outlines the rules governing wage deductions in the Philippines. It explicitly states that employers cannot interfere with how employees use their wages, except in specific cases. Allowable deductions include those authorized by law or those with the employee’s written consent.
If you require assistance or wish to request a workplace inspection regarding this matter, you may contact the DOLE Regional or Field Office with jurisdiction over your workplace.
Please note that this response is based solely on the information provided. Any undisclosed facts may affect the applicability of this guidance. As such, this should not be considered a legal reference or used in formal legal proceedings.
We hope this clarifies your concerns. Should you require further assistance, please feel free to reach out at DOLE Hotline 1349.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
Dole Bureau Of Working Conditions Receiving Officer and Decision Maker
FOI Officer
Department of Labor and Employment
