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Ang Batas, Sa Simpleng Salita — your rights, finally explained.

Book VI — Post-Employment

Article 283Closure of establishment and reduction of personnel.

PD 442 · Labor Code of the PhilippinesELI5 guide available

ELI5— what this means for you

Your employer can let you go for business reasons (retrenchment, automation, closure) — but must give you written notice at least 1 month before AND pay separation pay (usually 1 month per year of service). No notice + no separation pay = illegal.

Key point

Authorized causes = 1 month advance notice + separation pay. Both required.

Official text — PD 442

Closure of establishment and reduction of personnel.

The employer may also terminate the employment of any employee due to the installation of labor-saving devices, redundancy, retrenchment to prevent losses or the closing or cessation of operation of the establishment or undertaking unless the closing is for the purpose of circumventing the provisions of this Title, by serving a written notice on the workers and the Ministry of Labor and Employment at least one (1) month before the intended date thereof. In case of termination due to the installation of labor-saving devices or redundancy, the worker affected thereby shall be entitled to a separation pay equivalent to at least his one (1) month pay or to at least one (1) month pay for every year of service, whichever is higher. In case of retrenchment to prevent losses and in cases of closures or cessation of operations of establishment or undertaking not due to serious business losses or financial reverses, the separation pay shall be equivalent to one (1) month pay or at least one-half (1/2) month pay for every year of service, whichever is higher. A fraction of at least six (6) months shall be considered one (1) whole year.

Source: lawphil.net (PD 442 as amended)

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Legal disclaimer: BatasKo provides general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific employment situation, consult a licensed Filipino lawyer or the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) at pao.gov.ph.