A Philippine payslip should show your basic salary separately, because that figure determines a benefit you receive every December.
Why basic salary matters
13th month pay is one-twelfth of total basic salary earned during the calendar year.
Allowances that sit outside basic salary generally do not count toward it. A package weighted toward allowances produces a smaller 13th month.
At offer stage, ask what the basic is.
What should appear
- Basic salary, stated separately
- Allowances, itemised
- SSS contribution
- PhilHealth contribution
- Pag-IBIG contribution
- Withholding tax
Payroll frequency
Payroll must run at least twice a month — typically the 15th and the last working day. Employers cannot pay less frequently than semi-monthly.
If you are paid once a month, that is a violation.
Overtime and night differential
Work beyond eight hours a day attracts overtime. Night shift differential applies to work between 10 PM and 6 AM, with premium stacking rules for holidays and rest days.
In the BPO sector, where night shifts are the norm, that differential is a substantial part of pay — check it appears.
Holiday pay
Regular holidays and special days carry different premium rules. Both should be reflected where you worked them.
Verify remittance
Check your records with SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG directly. A deduction does not prove remittance, and late remittance carries surcharges and criminal liability for the employer.
Keep your payslips
They evidence your basic salary across the year, which is the base for the 13th month, and your contributions.
Records should be kept three to five years.
If something is wrong
Raise it with your employer, then DOLE.