In the Philippines, employees who have been with an employer for at least a year are entitled to 5 days of Service Incentive Leave (SIL) with full pay annually, according to Article 95 of the Labor Code. This leave can be used for vacation or sick leave. However, employers with less than 10 employees may be exempt from providing SIL.

Despite SIL being the legal minimum, many employers in the Philippines offer more generous vacation leave policies. It's not uncommon to find companies providing 10-15 days of paid vacation leave annually. Companies that offer vacation leave exceeding 5 days are not required to provide the additional SIL days.

To qualify for either SIL or company-provided vacation leave, employees must generally be considered regular employees, not probationary or project-based. Vacation leave is typically accrued monthly. For instance, in a policy providing 15 vacation days, an employee would accrue 1.25 days per month.

The carry-over of unused leave or conversion to cash is not explicitly addressed by labor laws in the Philippines. These matters are left to the employer's discretion and should be outlined within the company's policies.

Important Considerations

Always refer to your specific company's leave policy for detailed information about your vacation entitlements, accrual methods, procedures for requesting leave, and any carry-over or conversion rules.

The Philippines is known for its diverse mix of national regular holidays, special non-working holidays, and localized holidays that vary by region.

Regular Holidays

Regular holidays are observed nationwide. Here are some of the key regular holidays:

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Maundy Thursday (March or April, changes annually)
• Good Friday (March or April, changes annually)
• Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) (April 9)
• Labor Day (May 1)
• Independence Day (June 12)
• National Heroes Day (Last Monday of August)
• Bonifacio Day (November 30)
• Christmas Day (December 25)
• Rizal Day (December 30)

Special Non-Working Holidays

Special non-working holidays are usually observed for important cultural or historical events. Here are some of the special non-working holidays:

• Ninoy Aquino Day (August 21)
• All Saints' Day (November 1)
• Last Day of the Year (December 31)
• Chinese New Year (Changes annually, usually Jan/Feb)
• EDSA Revolution Anniversary (February 25)
• Eid'l Fitr (Feast of Ramadan) (Changes annually)
• Eid'l Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) (Changes annually)

Local Holidays

Certain cities or provinces may have additional holidays based on local historical events or religious observances.

Authoritative Sources

For more information, you can refer to the Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Please note that the exact dates of some holidays, particularly those based on lunar calendars, may change from year to year.

In the Philippines, employees are entitled to various types of leave, both legally mandated and those often provided by employers.

Legally Mandated Leave

• Service Incentive Leave (SIL): Employees with at least one year of service are granted 5 days of SIL with pay per year, which can be used for vacation or sick leave.
• Maternity Leave: The Expanded Maternity Leave Law provides 105 days of paid maternity leave for female employees, with the option for an additional 30 days unpaid. The Social Security System typically covers the payment.
• Paternity Leave: The Paternity Leave Act of 1996 mandates 7 days of paid paternity leave for married male employees to support their wives after childbirth.
• Parental Leave for Solo Parents: The Solo Parents' Welfare Act of 2000 grants 7 days of paid leave annually to solo parents.
• Special Leave Benefit for Women: The Magna Carta of Women provides two months of paid leave for female employees who have undergone surgery due to gynecological disorders.
• Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Leave: The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 grants 10 days of paid leave to women and their children who have been victims of violence.

Additional Leave Often Provided by Employers

• Vacation Leave: Many companies provide 10-15 days or more of paid vacation leave per year, going beyond the SIL.
• Sick Leave: While not legally mandated, many employers offer separate sick leave allowances.
• Bereavement Leave: Companies often grant employees a few days of paid leave in the event of the death of an immediate family member.
• Emergency Leave: Some employers may offer a limited number of days for unforeseen personal emergencies.

Important Notes

• Eligibility: The eligibility criteria for specific types of leave might vary. It's important to check your company policies and relevant labor laws for details.
• Company Policies: Always refer to your company's handbook for the specific leave policies available to you, covering entitlements, application procedures, and any additional types of leave your employer provides.