The Department of Labor and Employment issued pay guidelines for workers in the National Capital Region during the special non-working days from November 16 to 18, 2026, in connection with the Philippines’ hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
Labor Advisory and Wage Rules for NCR Workers
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino signed Labor Advisory No. 16, Series of 2026 on September 28, establishing the compensation rules for the three-day work suspension. According to the advisory, unless a collective bargaining agreement, company practice, or policy states otherwise, the “no work, no pay” rule is applicable to staff who do not report for duty on these special non-working days.
Employees who report for work are entitled to an additional 30 percent of their basic wage for the first eight hours, totaling 130 percent of their basic wage. The advisory stipulates that an extra 30 percent of the hourly rate for that day is provided for work that exceeds eight hours.
Did You Know? President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Proclamation No. 1447, Series of 2026, declaring November 16 to 18 as special non-working days in the National Capital Region specifically to ease traffic and ensure the safety and security of participants attending the 49th ASEAN Summit.
Rest Day and Overtime Compensations
A 50 percent premium on the basic wage for the first eight hours will be given to employees who work on a special non-working day that coincides with their scheduled rest day. For overtime performed beyond eight hours on a special non-working day that is also a worker’s rest day, the advisory requires an additional 30 percent of the applicable hourly rate.
Secretary Tolentino indicated that these rules also apply to employees under alternative, flexible, and telecommuting work arrangements. If work is done on a rest day, the employer shall pay the employee an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on said day.
Police Deploy Security Measures for the Summit
Alongside labor guidelines, the Philippine National Police stepped up security measures on the ground and in cyberspace for the summit. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. instructed other concerned units and the National Capital Region Police Office to intensify contingency preparations and security planning for airports, hotels, major transport hubs, and summit venues.
The security directive includes increased police visibility through foot and mobile patrols, quick reaction team readiness, and cyber monitoring against misinformation, disinformation, and potential online threats. General Nartatez stated that police preparations are primarily precautionary and urged the public not to be alarmed.
Dates and Holiday Pay Rules for the ASEAN Summit
When will the special non-working days take place in the National Capital Region?
The special non-working days are scheduled for November 16, 17, and 18, 2026, in connection with the Philippines’ hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
Who signed the labor advisory detailing the holiday pay rules?
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino signed Labor Advisory No. 16, Series of 2026, on September 28.
What compensation do employees receive if they work on these special non-working days?
Employees who report for work are entitled to an additional 30 percent of their basic wage for the first eight hours, while those working on a scheduled rest day receive a 50 percent premium for the first eight hours.
How will your work schedule or commute be affected by the three-day suspension in Metro Manila?
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